THE  KINGDOM  OF 
GOD  IN  JAPAN 


Observations  and  Recommendations 
of  a Deputation  Appointed  by  the 
American  Board  of  Commissioners 
for  Foreign  Missions  : : : : 


CONTENTS 


I  Letter  of  Transmittal 

II  Summary  of  Recommendations  to  the  Prudential  Com- 
mittee 

III  Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 

A.  Foreword 

B.  The  Evangelistic  Work 

C.  The  Organized  Congregational  Church  in  Japan 

D.  The  Deploying  of  Missionary  Fnrrpg 

E.  The  Educational  Work 

F.  The  Social  Work 

rV  The  Call  of  Japan 
V Appendices 

A.  Summary  of  Suggestions  Made  to  the  Japan  Mission 

B.  Record  of  the  Visit  to  Korea 

C.  Missionary  Project  for  the  Hokkaido 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 
Columbia  University  Libraries 


https://archive.org/details/kingdomofgodinjaOOamer 


REPORT 

OF  THE 

DEPUTATION  TO  JAPAN 


1.  Letter  of  Transmittal 

To  the  Prudential  Committee  of  the  American  Board  of  Commis- 
sioners for  Foreign  Missions. 

Gentlemen : — 

Acting  as  your  representatives  in  the  capacity  of  a Deputation 
to  Japan,  we  beg  leave  to  present  the  following  report:  — 

Under  appointment  from  your  committee,  Dr.  John  C.  Berry 
and  Dr.  James  A.  Blaisdell,  accompanied  by  Mrs.  Berry  and  Mrs. 
Blaisdell,  embarked  from  San  Francisco  January  23,  1918.  After 
spending  two  week  in  Honolulu,  where  important  information  was 
secured  bearing  on  the  matters  under  investigation  in  Japan,  they 
landed  at  Yokohama  on  February  25.  There  they  were  met  by 
Secretary  Enoch  F.  Bell,  who  had  arrived  in  Japan  a few  days  before, 
after  completing  a trip  of  investigation  through  the  Philippine 
Islands.  On  the  afternoon  the  Deputation  laid  out  a program  and 
itinerary  which  occupied  it  consecutively  until  the  date  of  sailing. 
May  30,  1918.  In  the  prosecution  of  this  itinerary  at  least  two 
members  of  the  Deputation  visited  each  of  the  stations  of  the  Board 
and  also  acquainted  themselves  with  the  situation  in  Korea.  The 
Deputation  examined  the  work  of  other  missionary  boards,  held 
innumerable  conferences,  individual  and  group,  both  with  the  mis- 
sionaries, and  with  the  Japanese  Christian  workers,  shared  in  many 
ways  in  public  occasions  and  made  the  information  thus  secured  the 
basis  of  its  own  careful  conferences.  Dr.  Berry  and  Mr.  Bell  visited 
Seoul  and  Ping-Yang,  Korea,  investigating  the  situation  in  detail. 
Dr.  Blaisdell,  in  the  meantime,  spending  a few  days  in  North  China 
but  returning  in  time  for  a brief  stop  at  each  of  the  Korean  points 
mentioned.  The  Deputation  concluded  its  work  in  Japan  by  at- 


4 


Deputation  to  Japan 


tendance  upon  and  participation  in  the  Mission  meeting  at  Arima, 
and  on  intervening  days,  when  the  Mission  was  occupied  in  other 
business,  shared  in  a conference  with  the  executive  body  of  the 
Kumiai  Congregational  Church  which  was  called  for  this  purpose  and 
which  also  met  in  Arima. 

While  the  Deputation  acted  as  a unit  and  ultimately  reached 
its  conclusions  by  conferences  which  resulted  in  unanimous  agree- 
ment, the  varied  training  and  experience  of  the  different  members 
proved  a distinct  advantage  and  undoubtedly  increased  the  efficiency 
of  the  commission  and  the  value  of  its  results.  Dr.  Berry’s  long 
experience  in  Japan  and  the  fact  that  he  had  received  a decoration 
from  the  Japanese  Emperor  opened  special  opportunities  of  approach. 
As  a secretary  of  the  American  Board  and  at  one  time  a member  of 
the  Japan  Mission,  Mr.  Bell  was  familiar  with  the  business  and  per- 
sonal details  of  the  Mission  and  its  work;  while  Dr.  Blaisdell’s  as- 
sociation with  educational  interests  was  of  special  service  in  matters 
pertaining  to  this  department  of  our  missionary  work.  The  judg- 
ment and  conclusions  of  each,  however,  were  made  the  possession 
of  all  and  the  decisions  ultimately  reached  were  those  of  the  entire 
Deputation. 

Your  Deputation  came  to  Japan  at  a most  significant  hour. 
Socially,  politically,  intellectually  and  spiritually,  Japan  is  at  this 
moment  in  a most  critical  period  of  rapid  transition.  Her  mind  and 
soul  lie  open  and  receptive  as  perhaps  never  before  in  her  history. 
Universally  it  was  recognized  throughout  the  Empire  that  we  had 
come  at  a moment  of  vital  importance,  and  the  report  which  we 
herewith  render  is  delivered  to  you  with  the  feeling  that  it  concerns  a 
nation  in  a most  strategic  and  crucial  hour  of  national  development. 
Issues  of  an  importance  far  beyond  any  possibility  of  description  are 
now  being  decided  and  their  consequences  will  reach  into  the,  most 
distant  future. 

The  nature  of  our  opportunity  is  further  indicated  by  the  fact 
that  our  reception,  by  missionaries,  by  government  officials  and  by 
Japanese  Christians,  was  surpassingly  cordial.  At  every  station 
the  missionaries  of  the  Board  gave  us  assured  welcome  and  opened  to 
us  both  the  problems  and  the  possibilities  of  their  work.  The  greet- 
ing of  the  Japanese  Christians  also  was  always  obviously  hearty  and 
genuine  to  the  last  degree.  Not  only  in  the  Christian  Church  but 
throughout  the  Empire  as  well  there  were  the  warmest  expressions  of 
friendship  and  cordiality,  and  everywhere  the  spirit  was  such  as  is 


Letter  of  Transmittal 


5 


indicated  in  the  greeting  of  Dr.  Ebinaof  Tokyo:  “You  have  come  i 
to  us  at  just  the  opportune  time.  Our  hearts  are  open  to  receive 
you.”  Government  officials  invariably  expressed  the  same  welcome, 
official  receptions  were  cordial  in  the  extreme,  and  were  received 
and  remembered  with  pleasure  and  gratitude. 

In  many  ways  your  Deputation  was  impressed  by  the  difference 
in  the  situations  faced  by  us  and  by  your  former  Deputation  in  the 
year  1896.  Regret  was  often  expressed  that  any  shadow  had 
fallen  in  earlier  days  upon  the  relations  of  the  Board  and  the 
Japanese  church.  It  was  everywhere  emphasized  that  spiritual 
forces  had  been  in  operation  drawing  all  the  various  workmen  into 
consciousness  of  their  real  comradeship  in  the  common  undertaking. 
In  all  this  process  the  tact  of  the  missionaries  has  been  of  the  utmost 
importance  in  clarifying  the  situation,  and  this  has  been  met  in  turn 
by  the  growing  appreciation  and  friendliness  of  their  enlarging  work 
and  by  the  necessity  of  securing  the  co-operation  of  Christian  forces 
from  abroad.  It  is  with  great  joy  that  we  record  this  evident  rap- 
prochement of  fellow- workers,  American  and  Japanese,  in  whose 
common  task  we  are  so  deeply  interested. 

On  the  other  hand,  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  these  twenty  years 
have  been  inevitably  a period  of  uncertainty  in  our  Mission. 
Under  the  circumstances  which  existed  the  exact  part  which  our 
missionaries  were  likely  to  have  in  the  development  of  Japanese 
Christianity  was  not  clear.  Consequently  the  question  of  recruiting 
our  mission  with  increasing  numbers  has  been  a difficult  one  in  view 
of  the  earlier  problems.  As  a result  the  various  stations  have  been 
allowed  to  become  depleted  of  their  missionary  forces.  Buildings 
and  equipment  have  been  suffered  to  decline.  As  this  process  con- 
tinued a feeling  akin  to  discouragement  inevitably  developed.  The 
original  deploying  of  our  forces  had  been  accomplished  with  singular 
wisdom,  but  with  the  decrease  in  numbers  of  the  ordained  mis- 
sionaries it  became  a serious  problem  as  to  where  the  few  new  families 
should  be  placed,  among  the  many  stations  calling  most  urgently 
for  succor.  The  lines  of  these  missionary  field  forces  had  become  so 
thin  that  an  early  decision  involving  the  gravest  consequence  seemed 
inevitable.  Either  these  forces  must  be  generously  recruited  or  im- 
portant stations  must  soon  be  abandoned.  In  either  case  radical  and 
prompt  action  must  be  taken. 

It  will  at  once  be  seen  that  this  decision  could  not  be  treated  as  an 
isolated  issue.  Rather  it  involved  the  whole  problem  of  our  atti- 


6 


Deputation  to  Japan 


tude  toward  missionary  work  in  countries  as  far  developed  as  is 
Japan.  This  question  in  turn  seemed  to  necessitate  a fundamental 
decision  of  Christian'  policy  as  to  how  far  the  missionary  commission 
of  the  church  is  rightly  satisfied  with  the  completion  of  a rudimen- 
tary form  of  evangelization  and  how  far  it  demands  co-operation 
in  the  construction  of  a complete  Christian  civilization.  The  in- 
sufficiency of  the  working  forces  in  Japan  which  led  to  the  call  for  a 
deputation  thus  opened  questions  of  such  fundamental  importance 
that  we  have  felt  warranted  in  devoting  the  body  of  this  report  to  a 
somewhat  detailed  statement  of  the  situation  as  we  found  it.  This  state- 
ment also  embodies  the  explanation  of  our  specific  recommendations. 

It  should  here  be  observed  that  while  the  missionary  force  has 
thus  declined  in  numbers  the  urgency  of  the  need  has  found  increased 
and  general  emphasis.  If  at  any  time  there  has  been  division  of 
opinion  among  Christian  workers  in  Japan,  native  and  foreign,  as 
to  the  need  of  enlarged  missionary  forces,  no  shadow  of  such  a doubt 
lingers  now.  The  call  of  our  missionaries  for  added  resources  of  men 
and  means  is  most  emphatic ; but  it  is  no  more  so  than  is  the  call  of 
the  Japanese  Christian  church  itself.  On  this  matter  there  was  but 
one  word,  insistent  and  pathetic,  - — that  the  Christians  in  Japan  are 
unable  as  yet  to  meet  the  vast  and  critical  need  of  the  country  and 
that  they  must  have  the  co-operation  of  the  established  churches  of 
other  lands  for  years  to  come. 

The  Mission  meeting  was  held  at  Arima,  May  16  to  24.  A gen- 
erous allotment  of  time  was  given  to  your  Deputation  for  the  pres- 
entation of  their  suggestions  bearing  on  the  work  of  the  Mission  in 
Japan;  and  also  for  the  discussion  and  suggestion  of  matters  per- 
taining to  the  report  to  be  made  to  your  committee.  Reference  is 
made  in  this  report  to  the  matters  brought  under  advisement  at  this 
time.  In  general  it  may  be  said  that  it  seemed  wise  to  suggest  to 
the  Mission  certain  forms  of  organization  and  work  which  appeared 
to  us  to  promise  an  increased  unity  and  efficiency  both  in  the  Mis- 
sion itself  and  in  its  relation  with  the  Kumiai  Church.  A memoran- 
dum of  these  suggestions  is  appended  to  this  report. 

The  discussion  of  these  subjects  resulted  in  the  creation  of  the 
office  of  Field  Secretary  as  an  agency  helpful  both  in  the  Mission 
itself  and  in  its  relation  with  the  Kumiai  churches;  the  appointment 
of  this  Secretary;  the  designation  of  a publicity  committee;  and  the 
appointment  of  a committee  of  six  who  should  consider  other  sugges- 
tions which  were  made  and  who  should  further  co-operate  with  the 


Letter  of  Transmittal 


7 


Deputation  in  the  formulation  of  a statement  of  various  important 
needs.  We  believe  that  the  steps  thus  taken,  though  simple,  will 
be  of  far  reaching  consequence  and  that  they  will  mean  much  to 
the  future  work  of  the  Mission. 

Your  Deputation  met  twice  with  the  Riji,  the  executive  body  of 
the  Kumiai  church  in  Japan.  The  first  of  these  meetings  was  early 
in  our  stay  in  the  country.  The  second  meeting  was  held  as  indi- 
cated at  Arima,  contemporaneously  with  the  Mission  meeting. 
The  meetings  of  the  two  bodies  were  held  in  separate  places  and  the 
brevity  of  the  time  prevented  any  union  gatherings  save  those  of  a 
social  nature.  These  meetings  with  the  Riji  were  of  the  greatest 
consequence.  We  were  made  familiar  with  the  frank  feeling  of  our 
Japanese  brethren.  The  conferences  were  thoughtful,  friendly  and 
deeply  spiritual,  and  we  came  away  with  a profound  feeling  of  grati- 
tude for  the  ability  and  spiritual  character  of  the  men  who,  under 
God,  are  leaders  of  our  Congregational  Communion  in  Japan. 

After  closing  these  important  gatherings  with  the  Mission  and 
the  Riji,  your  Deputation,  with  only  a few  days  delay,  embarked 
from  Yokohama.  Much  time  was  devoted  to  conferences  on  ship- 
board. The  whole' journey  was  reviewed  and  all  the  topics  which 
had  been  brought  to  our  attention  were  again  taken  under  advise- 
ment. In  the  early  stages  of  our  work  we  had  kept  separate  counsel, 
so  that  each  might  reach  an  unbiased  conclusion.  Our  judgment  was 
therefore  greatly  fortified  by  finding  that  independently  we  had 
reached,  in  almost  every  case,  practically  identical  results.  The  most 
important  findings  of  our  journey  we  herewith  submit  to  you  in 
the  general  body  of  this  report,  and  to  this  report  we  have  appended 
comments  on  certain  special  details.  You  also  have  accessible  the 
notes  kept  by  Mr.  Bell,  secretary  of  this  commission. 

In  conclusion  we  desire  to  express  to  your  committee  our  grate- 
fulness for  the  privilege  of  participating  in  an  undertaking  which  is 
so  greatly  illuminating,  so  enlarging  of  thought  and  interest,  and 
one  which  involves  partnership  in  one  of  the  deeper  spiritual  under- 
takings of  our  times.  It  has  been  a joy  to  us  to  serve  together; 
and  together  we  have  found  it  a joy  to  serve  with  all  those  other  work- 
ers of  Christ  Jesus  with  whom  we  have  thus  been  brought  in  council. 
We  transmit  to  you  this  report  in  the  common  hope  and  prayer  that 
it  may  be  of  consequence  not  only  to  the  forwarding  of  our  own  mis- 
sionary work  but  also  to  the  whole  undertaking  of  the  establishment 


8 


Deputation  to  Japan 


of  the  Kingdom  of  God  in  this  great  Empire  to  which  our  hearts 
have  been  so  closely  drawn. 

Faithfully  yours, 


James  A.  Blaisdell 
John  C.  Berry 
Enoch  F.  Bell. 


II.  Summary  of  Recommendations  to  the 
Prudential  Committee. 


A.  SPECIAL  PRAYER 

We  Recommend : 

1.  That  the  year  1919,  which  marks  the  50th  anniversary  of 
American  Board  work  in  Japan,  be  emphasized  as  a period  of  special 
thanksgiving  and  prayer  in  behalf  of  the  Japan  Mission;  and 

2.  That,  taking  the  past  as  an  earnest  of  the  future,  the  Board 
set  itself  with  renewed  purpose  and  zeal  to  the  task  of  fulfilling  its 
mission,  under  God,  in  Japan. 

B.  STRATEGIC  OCCUPANCY 
We  Recommend : 

1.  That  due  consideration  be  given  to  the  judgment  of  the 
missionaries  and  Japanese  Christians  that  the  situation  in  Japan  and 
the  inadequacy  of  the  church  there  are  such  as  to  call  for  the  de- 
velopment rather  then  the  devolution  of  our  forces; 

2.  That  all  the  established  stations  in  Japan  (including  Oka- 
yama and  Sendai)  be  held ; 

3.  That  the  Mission  be  allowed  to  place  one  of  its  number  in 
Seoul,  Korea,  when  the  increase  of  forces  renders  this  practicable; 

4.  That  for  the  present  the  requests  of  the  Kumiai  Church  for 
help  in  Formosa,  Liukiu  Islands  and  Manchuria  be  regretfully  de- 
clined; • 

5.  That  the  importance  be  noted  of  allowing  the  missionaries 
en  route  to  and  from  Japan  to  visit  oftener  the  Japanese  churches  of 
Hawaii  and  Pacific  coast,  such  temporary  service  being  of  strategic 
importance  and  of  far-reaching  effect  upon  Japan  proper; 

6.  That  the  unique  opportunity  in  the  Hokkaido  and  the  plans 
for  the  adequate  stressing  of  the  work  there,  as  expressed  in  Appendix 
C of  this  report,  be  given  special  consideration; 

7.  That,  in  general,  precedence  be  given  to  those  stations 
which,  because  of  more  openness  of  mind,  lessening  resistance,  or 
other  evidences  of  peculiar  promise,  provide  the  best  reason  for 
early  success;  and 


10 


Deputation  to  Japan 


8.  That,  too,  in  line  with  the  recommendation  of  the  former 
Deputation,  the  country  field  (including  cities  of  moderate  size 
surrounded  by  large  rural  districts)  be  given  precedence  over  the 
immense  cities  for  general  missionary  work. 

C.  A DEMONSTRATION  CENTER 
We  Recommend : 

1.  That  some  moderate-sized  city,  preferably  Okayama,  be 
developed  as  a demonstration  center  wherein  shall  be  grouped  choice 
forces  for  model  evangelistic  work  through  church,  school  and  social 
service  institutions,  amid,  “country”  as  well  as  “city”  conditions; 

2.  That  the  Woman’s  Boards  be  conferred  with  on  the  matter; 

3.  That  the  Mission  be  authorized  to  consult  with  the  Kumiai 
Church  and  report  to  the  Board  as  to  ways  and  means  of  developing 
such  a center  in  fullest  co-operation;  and 

4.  That  this  center  be  considered  the  Mission’s  first  responsi- 
bility in  its  location  of  missionaries,  distribution  of  work  and  funds, 
even  if  this  meant  leaving  some  stationer  stations  unoccupied  pend- 
ing the  arrival  of  reinforcements. 

D.  FIELD  SECRETARY 


We  Recommend : 

That  the  Misson  be  authorized  to  appoint  a Field  Secretary 
whose  chief  duties  shall  be : 

(1)  To  serve  as  main  point  of  contact  between  mission  and  church : 

(2)  To  seek  to  correlate  the  mission  organization  with  that  of  the 
church : 

(3)  To  assume  general  oversight  of  stations  temporarily  without 
a resident  missionary : 

(4)  To  have  general  oversight  of  the  work  in  Korea  until  a mis- 
sionary is  located  there  permanently : 

(5)  To  serve  the  stations,  as  may  be  desired  by  the  mission  in  its 
effort  toward  greatest  efficiency  as  a unit. 

E.  SUPPLY  OF  MISSIONARIES 
We  Recommend : 

1.  That  in  response  to  the  urgent  appeal  of  the  Japanese 


Recommendations  to  the  Prudential  Committee 


11 


church  and  the  Mission,  the  Board  undertake  to  keep  each  of  its 
twelve  stations  (including  Okayama  and  Sendai)  manned  with  at 
least  one  family  and  one  single  lady  missionary ; 

2.  That  it  provide  as  soon  as  practicable  for  new  phases  of 
work,  including  the  response  to  the  demand  for  a man  in  Korea,  for 
social  service  workers,  Sunday  School  experts,  and  the  like ; 

3.  That  young  college  men  be  sent  out  on  short-term  service  as 
assistants  to  Japanese  pastors  for  such  definite  tasks  as  shall  be  ar- 
ranged for  by  the  Mission  and  the  Church  in  question. 

( Note-.  The  minimum  force  required  for  the  sound  maintenance 
of  the  work  in  Japan  is  as  follows:  27  ordained  [married]  men  — 
an  increase  of  three  families  over  the  present  basis:  5 single  men  for 
special  work;  and  29  [single]  ladies  — as  against  21  at  present.) 

F.  CAMPAIGN  FOR  RECRUITS 
We  Recommend : 

That  in  the  Board’s  campaign  for  recruits  in  Japan  the 
appeal  of  the  Japanese  leaders  for  young  men  and  women  from 
America,  and  the  promise  of  those  leaders  to  give  the  missionary 
recruits  the  best  of  opportunities  for  initiative  and  responsibility  for 
progressive  work,  be  widely  circulated ; that  the  Japanese  conviction 
that  the  situation  in  Japan  will  appeal  with  unusual  force  to  return- 
ing soldiers  from  France  be  emphasized;  that  the  Board  continue 
to  find  recruits  of  such  capacity  as  will  enable  them  to  work  in 
closest  fellowship  with  the  Japanese  under  the  general  direction  of 
the  church  of  which  they  can  become  an  important  part. 

G.  LANGUAGE  SCHOOL 

We  Recommend : 

1.  That  a good  working  knowledge  of  the  vernacular  be  con- 
tinuously urged  upon  every  recruit  as  a way  to  missionary  success. 

2.  That  the  Japan  Mission  be  commended  for  its  insistence 
upon  careful  preparation  in  the  language  on  the  part  of  every  new 
missionary;  and 

3.  That  continued  use  be  made  of  the  Language  School  in 
Tokyo  in  expectation  that  more  and  more  it  will  meet  the  demand  for 
an  institution  in  the  field  which  shall  make  it  unnecessary  to  lengthen 
a recruit’s  professional  training  in  America,  so  far  as  such  bears  upon 


12  Deputation  to  Japan 

the  language,  civilization  and  religion  of  the  people  with  whom  his 
life  work  is  to  be  done. 

H.  SCHOOL  FOR  MISSIONARIES’  CHILDREN 
We  Recommend : 

1.  That  the  Board  continue  its  special  interest  in  the  school 
for  missionaries’  children  at  Kobe;  and 

2.  That  it  endorse  in  every  way  possible  the  school  in  Tokyo 
which  has  the  possibilities  of  becoming  a real  American  high  school 
in  the  Orient  worthy  of  American  governmental  assistance. 

1.  DOSHISHA 

We  Recommend; 

1.  That  the  Board  adhere  in  general  to  its  time-honored 
policy  of  co-operation  with  Doshisha; 

2.  That  in  view  of  the  grave  problems  the  institution  is  now 
facing  in  sustaining  its  original  Christian  atmosphere  as  it  enlarges 
upon  a university  basis,  the  Board  respond  whith  special  effort  to 
the  appeal  of  faculty  and  friends  of  the  institution  for  some  aggres- 
sive religious  work  among  the  students; 

3.  That  Doshisha’s  wide  constituency  in  America  be  hereby 
asked  to  carry  this  matter  upon  its  heart,  in  full  assurance  that 
“prayer  and  pains  accomplish  all  things”; 

4.  That  the  Board  lend  its  support  to  Doshisha’s  appeal  for 
funds  for  Christian  dormitories  and  for  American  college  men  to 
man  the  same; 

5.  That  the  desire  for  an  annual  Lectureship  in  Theology,  for  a 
longer  or  shorter  period,  be  favored  by  the  early  appointment  of 
some  American  scholar  to  temporary  service  in  Doshisha; 

6.  That  in  general  the  policy  of  an  interchange  of  professors 
between  Doshisha  and  American  institutions  be  wisely  fostered ; 

7.  That  as  the  services  of  present  missionary  theological 
teachers  cease  and  Japanese  are  placed  more  and  more  in  those 
chairs  the  Board  give  careful  deliberation  to  new  forms  of  co-opera- 
tion with  Doshisha;  and 

8.  That  when  funds  permit,  the  Board  provide  for  Doshisha’s 
sending  selected  pastors  from  among  its  graduates  to  America  for 
advanced  studies. 


Recommendations  to  the  Prudential  Committee 


13 


J.  KOBE  COLLEGE 

We  Recommend : 

That  the  expansion  and  perfecting  of  Kobe  College  as  one 
of  the  largest  and  most  vital  Christian  efforts  in  Japan  be  given 
generous  consideration ; on  the  understanding  that  no  small  invest- 
ment can  be  at  all  adequate;  that  the  large  and  pressing  questions 
of  construction,  equipment  and  adjustment  should  be  faced  soon; 
and  that  the  College  has  undoubted  possibilities  in  the  development 
of  an  adequate  educational  policy  for  the  Empire,  — a mission  as 
distinct  as  is  that  of  the  Girls’  Department  of  Doshisha. 

K.  GLORY  KINDERGARTEN  TRAINING  SCHOOL  (Kobe) 
We  Recommend : 

1.  That,  continuing  under  missionary  auspices  for  an  indefinite 
length  of  time,  this  necessary  institution  be  suitably  housed  in 
permanent  quarters  owned  by  the  Board,  provided  with  adequate 
equipment,  and  in  general  fully  sustained  as  a typical  American 
kindergarten  school; 

2 . That  all  sound  efforts  for  the  securing  of  property  and  endow- 
ment, either  from  American  or  Japanese  sources,  be  actively 
supported  by  the  Board. 

L.  WOMEN’S  EVANGELISTIC  SCHOOL  (Kobe) 

We  Recommend: 

1.  That  this  institution  be  encouraged  in  its  purpose  to  ex- 
pand its  share  of  influence,  increase  its  faculty,  and  improve  its  stu- 
dent body ; 

2.  That  the  Mission  and  Woman’s  Board  of  the  Interior  be 
asked  to  take  under  advisement  the  question  of  transferring  the 
school  to  the  proposed  demonstration  center  whenever  such  a center 
is  definitely  planned  for; 

3.  That  meanwhile,  the  School  and  Kobe  College  be  encour- 
aged in  any  plan  they  may  devise  for  a more  complete  unity  in 
staff  and  student  body ; and 

4.  That  constant  effort  be  made  to  bring  the  Japanese  into  the 
support  and  administration  of  this  school,  which  in  a peculiar  way 
aims  to  supply  suitable  workers  for  the  Kumiai  Churches. 


14 


Deputation  to  Japan 

M.  OTHER  EDUCATIONAL  WORK 


We  Recommend: 

That  questions  pertaining  to  the  special  policy  and  develop- 
ment of  Matsuyama  Girls’  School;  the  extent  of  our  co-operation 
with  Baikwa,  Maebashi  Girls’  School,  or  other  institutions  owned  and 
controlled  by  Japanese;  and  the  co-ordinating  of  all  our  educational 
work  with  that  of  other  Christian  educational  institutions  in  Japan 
be  a subject  of  special  study  and  effort  until  a satisfactory  system  is 
evolved. 

N.  THE  UNION  CHRISTIAN  WOMEN’S  UNIVERSITY 

(Tokyo) 

We  Recommend: 

1.  That  the  general  plan  and  purpose  of  this  new  union  insti- 
tution receive  the  cordial  support  of  the  Board ; and 

2.  That  the  Board  assume  at  least  one  unit  of  representation 
in  the  administration  of  the  University. 

O.  THE  PROPOSED  UNION  UNIVERSITY  FOR  MEN 

(Tokyo) 

We  Recommend: 

That  no  further  action  be  taken  at  present  than  has  already 
been  taken  by  the  Board,  which  though  in  sympathy  with  the  ideal 
has  not  yet  been  convinced  of  the  practicability  of  any  proposed  plan. 

P.  THE  DEVELOPMENT  OF  AN  ADEQUATE  MINISTRY 
We  Recommend: 

1.  That  this  grave  problem  confronting  both  missionary  and 
Japanese  Christian  leaders  receive  the  serious  attention  of  the 
American  Board  and  its  constituency; 

2.  That  in  the  Board’s  co-operation  with  Doshisha  this  need  be 
ever  kept  in  mind ; 

3.  That  in  the  development  of  the  proposed  Demonstration 
Center  an  effort  be  made  to  have  said  center  used  for  theological 
students,  pastors  and  other  Christian  workers  who  seek  to  perfect 
themselves  in  service ; 


Recommendations  to  the  Prudential  Committee 


15 


4.  That  the  Board  do  what  it  can  to  stimulate  more  Japanese 
pastors  and  other  Christian  leaders  of  tested  strength  to  come  to 
America  for  advanced  studies;  and 

5.  That  other  sound  projects  which  may  be  devised  for  the 
securing  and  training  of  an  adequate  ministry  receive  the  support 
of  the  Board. 


0.  NEW  BUILDINGS  AND  ARCHITECTURE 
We  Recommend: 

1.  That  in  the  construction  of  new  buildings,  residential  or 
otherwise,  attention  be  given  to  the  formulation  of  a type  of  build- 
ing which  shall  involve  the  best  of  our  American  equipment  in  ex- 
ternal Japanese  forms;  and 

2.  That  due  consideration  be  given  to  the  advisability  of  em- 
ploying an  able  architect  in  Japan  who  shall  preserve  a general 
policy  of  construction  throughout  the  field. 


R.  SOCIAL  SERVICE 

We  Recommend: 

1 . That  Japan’s  immediate  problem  of  social  reconstruction  due 
to  her  development  as  an  industrial  and  commercial  nation  be  a 
subject  of  earnest  thought  and  prayer; 

2.  That  all  Japanese  Christian  effort  to  meet  the  serious 
conditions  receive  the  moral  support  of  the  Board ; 

3.  That  the  Mission  be  encouraged  to  promote  any  practical 
movement  likely  to  interest  and  train  Japanese  workers  for  this 
service. 

4.  That  the  Board  stand  ready  to  set  aside  certain  missionaries 
for  co-operation  in  such  social  service  organizations  as  may  in  due 
time  be  administered  by  the  Japanese;  but 

5.  That  there  be  no  assumption  of  principal  responsibility 
for  institutional  church  work  or  for  social  settlement  work  by  the 
Mission  in  the  large  centers  or  wherever  else  the  Japanese  are  cap- 
able of  carrying  this  responsibility  themselves;  the  missionaries, 
however,  being  constantly  encouraged  to  stimulate  endeavor  and 
to  assist  as  opportunity  offers. 


16 


Deputation  to  Japan 


6.  That  the  Hanabatake  social  settlement  at  Okayama  be 
held  and  developed,  particularly  if  that  city  is  selected  as  a demon- 
stration center; 

7.  That  evangelistic  work  among  industrial  classes,  as  a 
special  form  of  missionary  activity,  be  more  highly  developed; 

8.  That  the  Women’s  Boards  be  encouraged  to  support  lady 
missionaries  set  aside  for  this  special  service; 

9.  That  the  Board’s  constant  support  be  given  to  all  sound 
movements  in  behalf  of  the  Christian  Home,  the  Christian  Sabbath, 
Temperance,  Playgrounds,  — and  of  every  other  proved  principle 
and  practice  of  social  uplift; 

10.  That  in  general  the  Mission  continue  along  its  time  hon- 
ored lines  of  “educational  evangelism’’  as  the  best  method  of  per- 
forming the  broadest  and  deepest  social  service  for  the  Empire. 

S.  CHRISTIAN  LITERATURE 
We  Recommend: 

1.  That  increasing  attention  be  given  to  the  production  of 
effective  Christian  literature  in  Japan; 

2.  That  the  Board  continue  to  participate  in  the  work  of  the 
Christian  Literature  Society,  the  official  representative  of  the  Mis- 
sions in  Japan;  and 

3.  That  the  Board  proceed  upon  the  understanding  that  the 
entire  propaganda  of  Christian  literature  will  be  increasingly,  and 
in  due  time  predominantly,  under  the-direction  of  the  Japanese. 

T.  RELATION  OF  THE  MISSION  TO  THE  NATIVE  CHURCH 
We  Recommend : 

1.  That  the  leadership  of  the  Kumiai  Church  be  increasingly 
honored  by  the  American  Board,  in  firm  confidence  that  in  time  this 
native  church  shall  administer  all  the  functions  of  Congregational 
oversight  and  endeavor  in  Japan; 

2.  That  to  this  end  the  Mission  be  encouraged,  both  as  a 
body  and  as  individuals,  to  co-operate  with  the  Church  in  such  a way 
as  ultimately  to  bring  to  pass  the  integration  of  the  Mission  with  the 
Church ; 

3.  That  one  of  the  chief  duties  of  the  Field  Secretary  shall  be 
the  furthering  of  this  policy  of  ultimate  integration ; 


Recommendations  to  the  Prudential  Committee 


17 


4.  That  the  Board  also  approve  other  steps  toward  integration 
suggested  in  the  main  part  of  the  Report,  such  as  — 

(а)  The  appointment  of  short-term  men  as  a^istants  to 
Japanese  pastors. 

(б)  The  setting  aside  of  missionaries  for  special  work  for  a 
definite  period  of  time  as  associate  pastors.  . 

(c)  The  appointment  of  specialists  on  Sunday  School  and  other 
work,  to  be  responsible  to  the  church. 

{d)  The  increasing  of  Japanese  membership  upon  educational 
boards. 

{e)  Missionaries  to  become  members  of  local  Japanese 
churches  (1)  for  effective  service  therein  and  (2)  that  they  may  serve, 
when  required,  as  representatives  in  local  associations  and  at  na- 
tional councils. 

5 . That  the  J apanese  initiative  in  educational  as  in  evangelistic 
work  be  encouraged,  and  that  every  sound  plan  be  supported 
which  aims  in  due  time  to  place  upon  the  Japanese  the  paramount 
responsibility  for  the  administration  of  most  of  the  educational 
work  of  the  Mission. 

6.  That  it  is  expected  that  along  with  the  leadership  of  the 
church  shall  go  an  ever  increasing  responsibility  on  the  part  of  the 
Japanese  for  the  full  financing  of  the  work,  - — the  mission  constantly 
pushing  toward  this  desired  end. 


U.  COMITY 

We  Recommend: 

1.  That  the  Board,  while  adhering  to  the  principle  of  comity, 
question  if  the  time  has  not  come  for  a revision  of  the  present  mis- 
sionary comity  in  favor  of  one  more  in  line  with  the  tendencies  of 
native  church  development; 

2.  That  it  move  on  the  assumption  that  the  native  church 
rather  than  the  foreign  missionary  body  should  now  resume  the  re- 
sponsibility of  fixing  upon  those  principles  and  methods  which  should 
henceforth  prevail;  and 

3.  That  in  the  interests  of  comity  the  American  Board  exert 
its  influence  with  the  Kumiai  Church  in  favor  of  the  latter’s  adopt- 
ing a constructive  comity  program  in  co-operation  with  the  other 
Japanese  communions. 


18 


Deputation  to  Japan 


V.  CHRISTIAN  UNITY 

We  Recommend: 

1.  That  the  Board,  continuing  its  support  of  church  unity  both 
in  spirit  and  in  effort,  urge  upon  the  Kumiai  Church  the  wisdom  of 
uniting  with  all  other  communions  of  similar  polity  in  Japan; 

2 . That  in  evangelistic,  educational  and  social  work  sound  union 
plans  be  fostered,  particularly  those  that  look  toward  united  reli- 
gious effort  in  connection  with  government  institutions. 


III.  Discussion  of  the  Main  Questions 
Investigated 


A.  FOREWORD 

The  religious  development  of  Japan  presents  a significant  and 
unique  problem  in  the  modern  history  of  Christian  missions;  for, 
the  Christianization  of  a country  like  Japan  as  contrasted  with  semi- 
barbarous,  belated  races,  presents  wholly  new  problems,  and  in- 
evitably demands  distinctly  different  attitudes  and  forms  of  approach. 
Japan  is  already  a well-advanced  nation  with  a place  of  prestige  and 
influence  among  the  nations  of  the  world.  In  many  phases  of  life 
it  is  highly  civilized.  In  the  matter  of  literacy  and  in  some  of  the 
arts  it  stands,  indeed,  among  the  foremost  peoples  of  our  time.  Situ- 
ated in  the  midst  of  those  vast  embryonic  forces  of  the  East,  which 
are  struggling  for  emergence  and  which  are  prophetic  of  untold 
consequences,  Japan  is  undoubtedly  the  most  commanding  national 
influence  among  them.  Although  proceeding  out  of  a form  of  social 
life  essentially  feudal  in  its  nature,  this  nation  has  already  attained 
a modern  and  highly  organized  society.  As  a people,  also,  the  Jap- 
anese are  chivalric,  sensitive,  and  responsive.  It  is  obv^ious,  there- 
fore, that  the  problem  of  presenting  the  gospel  to  this  people  must  be 
distinctly  different  in  its  nature  from  that  which  has  occupied  our 
missionaries  among  the  humbler  and  less  self-reliant  peoples;  and 
that  the  development  of  a Christian  church  in  Japan  must  proceed 
through  methods  definitely  adapted  to  an  advanced  race.  Further- 
more,so  much  progress  has  been  made  in  the  development  of  a sturdy, 
intelligent  and  eager  church  that  some  even  question  whether  the 
time  is  not  near  when  the  Japanese  church  shall  be  able  wholly  to 
support  and  to  administer  its  Christian  propaganda. 

In  view  of  this,  two  questions  inevitably  arise:  (1)  What  measure 
of  responsibility  remains  to  the  American  Church,  and  particularly 
to  us  as  Congregatronalists,  for  the  further  development  of  Chris- 
tianity in  Japan?  And  (2)  In  what  manner  shall  this  responsibility 
be  met  and  discharged? 

It  may  well  be  borne  in  mind,  also,  that  the  study  of  these  ques- 
tions is  of  importance  not  only  to  the  future  of  Japan  but  also  as 
bearing  upon  other  similar  situations  which  the  Christian  church 


20 


Deputation  to  Japan 


will  meet  in  due  time  among  the  other  races  pressing  forward  in  the 
ways  of  national  progress.  For  the  missionary  hope  itself  forecasts 
just  such  development  among  the  peoples  for  whom  we  labor,  and 
will  therefore  demand  corresponding  adaptation  of  procedure.  There 
is  thus  opened  a new  chapter  in  the  methods  of  the  highest  Christian 
statesmanship  as  it  relates  to  the  enlistment  of  such  races  in  the 
service  of  the  Kingdom  of  God. 

The  review  of  the  matters  involved  in  this  report  comes  at  a 
notable  anniversary  hour.  By  the  opening  of  a few  treaty  ports, 
entrance  to  Japan  was  first  made  possible  in  the  year  1859.  Chris- 
tian missionaries,  having  eagerly  and  impatiently  awaited  this  op- 
portunity, were  among  the  first  foreigners  to  accept  the  new  privilege 
and  only  ten  years  later  (1869)  the  American  Board  began  its  work 
in  that  country.  As  a communion,  therefore,  we  are  just  completing 
our  first  fifty  years  of  missionary  history  in  this  unique  empire.  As 
the  year  1919  will  mark  the  jubilee  of  the  arrival  of  our  first  mis- 
sionaries, we  are  at  a peculiarly  fitting  time  to  take  reckoning  of  our 
situation.  Look  backward  we  must,  over  the  accomplishment  of 
past  years,  but  it  is  in  the  forward  look  that  we  find  renewed  cause  for 
thought  with  reference  to  such  readjustment  as  experience  may  have 
shown  to  be  wise. 

B.  THE  EVANGELISTIC  WORK 

Missionary  work  is  inherently  evangelistic.  The  missionary 
is  charged  with  the  supreme  business  of  carrying  a gospel  powerful 
to  transform  and  renew  the  human  heart,  and  thus  to  supply  the 
springs  of  a Christian  civilization.  Whatever  other  forms  of  work 
the  missionary  may  devise  — educational,  physical,  social  — these 
are  but  corollaries  of  this  primary  evangelistic  purpose.  In  any 
study  of  the  development  of  the  religious  life  of  Japan  for  the  last  fifty 
years,  the  first  question  of  importance  relates  therefore  to  the  pro- 
gress and  effectiveness  of  the  evangelistic  endeavors  of  the  Chris- 
tian missionary. 

The  Gospel  has  Penetrated. 

The  results  of  the  Gospel  message  in  the  thought  and  life  of 
Japan  have  been  most  marked.  So  quietly,  to  be  sure,  has  this 
process  gone  on  and  with  so  little  display  that  one  can  only  be  made 
fully  conscious  of  it  by  careful  study.  Still,  when  the  perspective 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


21 


of  fifty  years  is  taken  into  account,  the  change  is  seen  to  be  profound. 
The  whole  range  of  Japanese  life  and  thought  has  been  broadened 
and  elevated.  The  nation  has  been  set  upon  new  directions  of 
progress.  While  it  is  true  that  many  forces  have  operated  to  pro- 
duce these  changes,  the  impact  of  Christianity  upon  the  Japanese 
mind  and  heart  has  been  the  primary  cause. 

Has  Given  New  Idea  of  God. 

If  a brief  resume  may  be  attempted  it  should  be  said  first  that 
the  very  idea  of  God,  the  fundamental  concept  of  all  thought,  has 
been  generally  transformed  among  intelligent  Japanese.  Formerly 
Japan  was  popularly  called  the  Land  of  the  Gods.  The  ancient 
worship  of  the  country  was  said  to  include  eight  million  divinities. 
Today,  we  are  told,  the  Christian  conception  of  a monotheistic  God, 
the  Father  of  his  people,  may  be  said  to  be  commonly  accepted  in  the 
religious  thinking  of  Japan,  difficult  as  it  has  been  to  co-ordinate 
this  logically  with  the  theology  of  Buddhism.  With  this  conception 
there  has  naturally  developed  also  an  idea  of  human  brotherhood. 
In  a country  where  foreigners  were  assumed  to  be  enemies,  the  idea 
of  a universal  fraternity  of  humanity  has  been  established  and  the 
larger  logic  of  international  obligation  and  good  will  is  taking  as- 
sured form.  The  idea  of  the  person  of  Jesus  has  also  gripped  the 
imagination  and  ideals  of  the  race.  Fifty  years  ago  the  public  sign 
boards  cursed  this  name,  and  opposition  to  Christian  work  was  not 
only  bitter  and  universal  but  sharply  and  severely  cruel.  But  the 
change  has  been  little  less  than  miraculous.  Among  the  educated 
Japanese,  Jesus  is  widely  recognized  as  "one  of  the  great  sages  of  the 
world.”  His  teachings  are  probably  better  known  among  the  com- 
mon people  than  are  those  of  Confucius,  perhaps  as  well  known  as 
those  of  Buddha,  while  the  life  of  Christ  forms  the  ideal  of  a growing 
portion  of  the  Japanese  race.  The  sweep  and  the  prospective  con- 
sequences of  such  transformations  of  fundamental  convictions  are 
most  inspiring. 

The  Bible  is  Read. 

To  these  facts  it  should  be  added  that  there  is  no  other  religious 
book  in  Japan  so  widely  circulated  as  is  the  Bible.  Not  only  is  it 
held  in  reverence  among  those  who  are  confessing  Christians,  but 
everywhere  is  it  recognized  as  belonging  to  the  great  religious  litera- 


22 


Deputation  to  Japan 


ture  of  the  world.  Possession  of  the  Bible  is  more  general  than  the 
possession  of  the  Buddhist  scriptures.  Newspapers  quote  it; 
teachers  of  ethics  in  the  public  schools  refer  to  it ; while  in  growing 
circles  its  ideals  are  held  in  high  respect. 

The  Gospel  Has  Affected  Social  Ideals  and  Life. 

Furthermore  the  social  effects  of  the  gospel  are  to  be  found  on 
every  hand.  Christianity  has  introduced  the  ideal  of  monogamy  and 
the  conception  of  the  Christian  home.  Neither  Confucianism  nor 
Buddhism  accomplished  this.  Indeed,  each  of  these  systems  has 
rather  condoned  concubinage.  The  home  of  Christian  countries,  so 
beautifully  exemplified  by  our  missionaries,  is  increasingly  held  in 
honor.  Coincident  with  this  has  been  the  elevation  of  woman. 
Though  held  in  higher  respect  in  Japan  than  in  some  countries  of 
the  east  the  oriental  religions  have  degraded  her;  but  now  she  is 
coming  to  her  own  through  Christian  precept  and  practice.  Noth- 
ing has  been  more  characteristic  of  the  advent  of  Christianity  in 
J apan  than  the  impulse  which  it  has  given  to  the  education  of  woman ; 
indeed,  these  early  beginnings  of  her  emancipation  are  multiplying 
on  all  sides  so  that  her  opportunities  are  now  steadily,  even  rapidly, 
increasing. 

It  Has  Inspired  Philanthropy. 

To  these  transformations  of  the  home  many  other  social  changes 
must  be  added.  Christianity,  for  example,  has  notably  increased 
Japanese  philanthropy.  Many  charities,  both  public  and  private, 
have  sprung  up.  There  is  evidence  of  a general  willingness  on  the 
part  of  the  Japanese  people  to  respond  to  these  undertakings  with 
financial  support.  It  may  be  urged,  and  it  is  doubtless  true,  that 
much  of  this  philanthropy  has  sprung  from  other  than  religious 
sources.  But  most  of  it  can  be  traced,  directly  or  indirectly,  to 
Christian  impetus.  (Incidentally  it  should  be  recorded  that  no  other 
communion  in  Japan  has  thus  far  contributed  more  to  the  devel- 
opment of  charities,  even  to  the  point  of  “weakening”  the  mother 
organization,  than  has  the  Kumiai  Church.)  No  better  example  of 
this  Christian  influence  can  be  given  than  what  the  Church  is  doing 
to  initiate  the  privileges  of  a sabbath  in  Japanese  life.  Early  in 
the  Meiji  era  the  government  adopted  a seventh  day  of  rest  and 
all  government  buildings  and  all  public  schools  are  closed  on  this 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


23 


day.  Some  factories  also  recognize  the  sabbatic  principle.  This 
beneficent  movement,  involving  so  much  of  advantage  to  the  labor- 
ing masses,  is  making  progress,  though  at  present  embarrassed  by 
the  requirements  of  war  industries. 

And  Also  Democracy. 

Along  with  such  influences  as  those  which  have  been  mentioned 
there  have  developed  other  characteristic  results  of  the  Chri;  tian 
attitude.  While  these  may  not  be  distinctly  religious  in  their  nature, 
they  proceed  primarily  from  conceptions  which  are  peculiarly  Chris- 
tian. The  growth  of  democracy,  for  example,  a form  of  society 
which  develops  out  of  the  Christian  estimate  of  individual  rights  and 
responsibilities,  is  steadily  making  way  in  Japan  as  over  against  the 
old  form  of  feudalism.  The  public  school  system  has  grown  to  ex- 
tensive proportions  and  covers  all  the  range  of  youth.  Though 
this  system  is  not  yet  adequate  to  the  needs  of  Japan,  yet  its  con- 
struction and  elaboration  is  remarkable,  when  one  considers  that  it 
has  been  wrought  out  in  the  brief  period  since  Japan  opened  her 
gates  to  foreign  influence.  Elementary  schools  exist  for  all  chil- 
dren. Large  privileges,  though  as  yet  inadequate,  exist  for  inter- 
mediate education,  while  five  great  universities  serve  the  profes- 
sional interests  of  students  completing  their  courses  of  education. 

It  Has  Stimulated  Buddhism. 

But  perhaps  nothing  is  more  remarkable  in  new  Japan  than 
the  influence  of  Christianity  upon  the  old,  native  religions.  Bud- 
dhism in  its  alliance  with  Shinto  has  had  its  grip  upon  the  Japanese 
mind  and  life  for  twelve  centuries,  and  yet  so  profound  has  been  the 
effect  of  Christianity  upon  this  entrenched  religious  system  that 
even  the  casual  observer  will  recognize  the  modifications  both  in 
method  and  in  spirit.  Preaching,  often  highly  ethical,  is  increasingly 
associated  with  Buddhist  services.  Christian  hymns  have  been 
literally  adopted,  substituting  only  the  name  of  Buddha  for  that  of 
Christ.  Marriage  is  more  and  more  taking  the  form  of  a religious 
rite.  In  the  more  popular  sects  Buddhism  now  has  its  Sunday 
schools  and  “Y.  M.  B.  A.”  Christmas  is  coming  to  be  recognized 
as  a general  festival.  Christian  trained  teachers  are  not  uncommon- 
ly introduced  into  Buddhist  work,  and  the  principles  and  doctrines 
of  Christianity  are  often  involved  in  their  publications,  even  the 


24 


Deputation  to  Japan 


teachings  of  the  Sermon  on  the  Mount  having  been  embodied  in 
some  Buddhist  literature.  Yet,  notwithstanding  all  this,  it  is  a fact 
that  Buddhism  is  generally  losing  power.  This  is  especially  true 
among  the  intelligent  classes  who  condemn  this  spirit  of  plagiarism 
which  so  strongly  stamps  Buddhism  as  a man-made  religion.  It  is  a 
question  if  even  three  sects  now  retain  any  great  hold  upon  the 
masses.  Thus  surely  is  the  Old  passing  with  the  advent  of  the  New. 

Yet  the  Gospel’s  Influence  Has  Not  Yet  Taken  Shape  in  Wide 
Ecclesiastical  Forms. 

When  reckoning  has  been  made  of  the  profound  changes  in 
process  due  to  Christian  influence,  it  must  yet  be  admitted  that  the 
numerical  and  other  visible  results  in  the  development  of  a great 
Christian  Church  are  comparatively  and  even  disappointingly 
meagre.  The  formal  expression  of  Christianity  as  shown  by  uniting 
with  the  visible  church,  for  example,  has  not  laid  any  extensive  hold 
upon  Japan.  At  most  there  are  probably  not  more  than  two  hundred 
thousand  Christians  formally  associated  with  the  church,  both 
Catholic  and  Protestant,  in  the  Empire.  While  perhaps  a ma- 
jority of  these  are  Protestant,  still  no  branch  of  the  Christian 
church,  Roman,  Greek,  or  Protestant,  has  outwardly  gathered  any 
really  considerable  following.  This  is  reflected  also  in  the  compara- 
tively weak  financial  resources  of  the  church.  In  a country  in  which 
poverty  is  still  marked  these  resources  are  almost  infinitesimal  as 
compared  with  those  which  exist  in  the  Christian  churches  of  Amer- 
ica. 

Some  Difficulties  in  the  Way. 

Perhaps  we  expect  too  much.  Certainly  we  must  not  forget 
that  Christianity  is  essentially  a thing  of  the  spirit;  that  many  of 
the  habits  and  institutions  associated  with  it  in  our  thought  have 
grown  out  of  the  social  and  racial  characteristics  which  have  been 
peculiar  to  us  of  the  West;  that  some  of  those  which  we  count 
most  important  are  doubtless  not  really  vital  to  the  essence  of  the 
Gospel  though  they  have  been  of  unquestionable  advantage  to  the 
progress  of  Christianity  in  its  European  and  Anglo  Saxon  environ- 
ment. In  a country  like  Japan,  which  in  so  many  ways  presents  a 
totally  different  social  cosmos,  the  intimate  problem  arises  as  to  how 
far  Christianity  Can  remain  real  while  divesting  itself  of  historic 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


25 


forms  dear  to  us,  and  adapting  itself  to  a new  world  of  habit.  Noth- 
ing is  easier  than  to  over-estimate  or  under-estimate  those  institu- 
tions which  have  been  characteristically  associated  with  the  Chris- 
tian system. 

Let  us  take  the  Sabbath,  for  example.  In  Japan  there  is  no 
such  special  observance  of  the  Day  as  blesses  our  own  country. 
Social,  business,  and  other  conditions  have  thus  far  made  apparently 
impracticable  an  emphasis  upon  a Sunday  morning  preaching  ser- 
vice considered  so  essential  in  the  West  to  the  growth  and  work  of 
the  Church.  The  religious  training  of  Japan  for  ages  has  rested 
upon  worship  somewhat  casually  performed  rather  than  upon  any 
set  service  of  preaching;  and,  because  of  this  the  difficulty  is  en- 
hanced for  Japanese  Christianity,  should  it  continue  to  emphasize, 
as  its  central  and  most  efficient  propaganda  the  typical  congrega- 
tional service  of  worship  observed  by  us  on  Sabbath  morning. 

Moreover,  it  is  probable  that  unconsciously  we  have  involved 
in  our  Christianity  certain  elements  of  mind  and  spirit  which  are 
characteristic  of  the  Anglo  Saxon  only.  It  has  been  said  that  nine 
out  of  ten  Japanese  hesitating  to  accept  Christianity  will  say  that 
their  reluctance  is  due  to  the  fact  that  Christianity  has  not  yet  been 
Japanized.  While  sympathetic  with  what  they  consider  its  es- 
sential message,  they  feel  that  its  outward  form  is  foreign,  not  yet 
adapted  to  the  custom  of  Japan.  These  considerations  turn  all 
missionary  work  back  upon  the  primary  question  as  to  what  really 
are  the  essential  elements  in  the  Christian  message  and  as  to  how 
far  they  must  necessarily  be  accompanied  by  those  forms  of  ecclesias- 
tical procedure  and  outward  organization  with  which  we  are  familiar. 
No  real  portion  of  the  Christian  gospel  can  we  afford  to  omit;  but 
no  unessential  portion  can  we  afford  to  lay  as  a burden  upon  a race 
which  in  its  eastern  birthright  is  nearer  in  temper  to  the  Orient  than 
are  we. 

On  the  other  hand,  with  those  Japanese  who  have  broken  with 
Buddhism  and  who  have  distinctly  allied  themselves  with  the  Chris- 
tian movement,  it  is  a somewhat  singular  fact  that  there  has  been 
an  inclination  distinctly  to  accentuate  the  foreign  character  of 
Christianity.  There  has  been  apparently  a desire  to  make  the  break 
with  the  old  inadequate  religious  association  sharp  and  striking. 
The  new  life  has  seemed  so  vastly  better  than  the  old  that  the  desire 
has  been  to  make  the  disassociation  so  outwardly  evident  as  to  ac- 
centuate the  separation  and  to  make  a return  to  the  old  relations 


26 


Deputation  to  Japan 


the  more  impossible.  There  has  been  a certain  satisfaction,  there- 
fore, in  emphasizing  the  foreign  phases  of  Christianity.  For  this 
as  well  as  for  economic  reasons,  the  American  meeting-house,  usually 
of  the  least  aesthetic  type,  has  been  adopted  in  Japan.  The  sug- 
gestion that  the  best  architecture  of  worship  as  it  exists  in  the 
nobler  native  forms  might  be  advantageously  used  by  the  Chris- 
tian church  has  been  met  with  scant  approval,  the  evidently  dis- 
tinct effort  being  to  produce  a marked  separation  from  all  that 
religious  life  which  was  prevalent  in  Old  Japan. 

While  this  tendency  has  operated  obviously  to  separate  Chris- 
tianity from  the  native  religions  and  sharply  to  identify  the  Cnris- 
tian  church  in  Japan,  it  has  nevertheless  given  to  Christianity  a 
distinctly  foreign  cast.  This  has  exaggerated  the  impression  of  its 
alien  origin  and  character,  and  has  in  some  sense  made  it  appear  to 
the  masses  as  so  un-Japanese  an  institution  as  to  put  it  outside  the 
range  of  ordinary  life. 

Thus  the  question  of  the  outward  form  of  the  Christian  move- 
ment in  Japan  is,  in  the  minds  of  many,  a difficult  but  deeply  im- 
portant problem.  It  cannot  be  doubted  that  in  many  respects  the 
outward  organization  of  Christianity  as  it  appears  in  America  must 
have  important  modifications  if  it  is  to  be  adapted  to  a people  so 
different  from  us  as  are  the  Japanese.  The  discovery  of  these  modi- 
fications and  the  expression  of  the  essential  Christian  gospel  in  forms 
that  shall  be  germane  to  the  thoughts  and  habits  of  the  Japanese 
race  is  most  important  and  calls  for  spiritual  sensitiveness  and  dis- 
crimination. 

The  Growth  of  Visible  Church  Tarries. 

To  sum  up  the  situation  it  may  be  said : that  a vast  spiritual 
process  is  on  in  the  Empire;  that  the  minds  and  hearts  of  people 
are  being  transformed  and  reorganized ; that  part  of  this  movement 
is  finding  its  results  in  a Christian  church,  measurably  like  our 
American  churCh ; that  part  is  showing  in  a vitally  transformed  life 
which  still  persists  under  something  of  the  old  forms  and  names; 
but  that  generally  speaking  the  growth  of  a great  Church  Visible 
in  Japan  tarries.  It  has  been  pointed  out  that  “it  is  easier  to  explain 
or  even  if  need  be  to  alter  in  some  measure  the  meaning  of  an  ac- 
cepted formula  than  to  introduce  a new  one.”  How  far  there  is  any 
such  possibility  for  the  native  religious  life  of  Japan  still  remains  a 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated  27 

serious  question.  In  the  mind  of  the  native  Christians  of  Japan 
there  is  little  hope  in  this  direction.  They  look  to  see  the  gradual 
disintegration  of  the  native  religious  systems  and  expect  that  in  due 
time  there  will  rise  instead  a triumphant  Christian  church.  The 
mists  of  spiritual  life  are  rising  but  not  as  yet  in  final  shape.  The 
inner  transformation  proceeds;  the  outward  manifestation  delays. 
We  can  only  be  sure  that  the  new  Christian  principle  will  have  its 
way  and  find  its  own  expression  in  due  time,  as  the  Spirit  of  God 
works  on  to  will  and  to  do  of  His  own  good  pleasure. 

Yet  There  is  a Call  for  a Vital  Religion. 

Nothing  that  has  been  said,  however,  regarding  the  modifica- 
tions of  the  non-Christian  religious  life  of  Japan  should  for  a mo- 
ment obscure  the  fact  that  it  is  everywhere  characterized  by  igno- 
rance, superstition,  sin,  suffering,  and  the  consciousness  of  the  un- 
satisfied soul.  No  one  can  look  upon  Buddhism  in  its  popular  mani- 
festations without  a great  surging  sorrow  of  heart.  Its  gods  in  the 
home  and  in  the  temple  inevitably  develop  materialism  and  paralyze 
spirituality.  Religion  which  is  so  unreal  and  unsatisfying  ceases  to 
lay  hold  upon  the  intelligent  portion  of  the  population  now  so  rapidly 
increasing.  This  element  largely  consists  of  young  people,  with  the 
result  that  the  youth  of  Japan,  where  it  has  the  privileges  of  higher 
learning,  is  swiftly  becoming  agnostic.  This  fact  is  recognized  by 
thoughtful  Japanese  of  whatever  religious  affiliation.  Even  the 
government  itself  is  deeply  concerned;  for  the  situation  is  one  in 
which  the  whole  basis  of  public  order  seems  involved.  The  result  is 
that  every  effort  is  being  made  to  regalvanize  the  old  religious 
formulae.  That  this  effort,  save  as  it  proceeds  out  of  more  vital 
sources  than  are  characteristic  of  Buddhism,  is  destined  to  failure  is 
obvious  to  practically  everyone.  This  failure  in  turn  is  a matter 
of  dismay  to  the  serious,  sober  element  of  the  Japanese  people. 

Eager  Study  of  Christianity  Will  Show  Outwardly  Some  Day . 

Out  of  this  storm  and  stress  of  the  spiritual  life  there  rises  a 
readiness  to  learn  the  essential  message  of  the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ. 
One  has  only  to  offer  the  opportunity  of  inquiry  to  draw  to  himself 
many  who  desire  to  know  what  Christianity  is.  Advertisements  in 
newspapers  offering  to  answer  questions  on  this  theme  are  met  by 
an  encouraging  correspondence  of  interrogation.  Tracts  and  dis- 


28 


Deputation  to  Japan 


cussions  are  welcomed.  The  religious  mind  of  Japan  is  in  a ferment 
that  welcomes  any  solution  of  its  problem  or  any  light  upon  its 
spiritual  way.  The  missionary  in  Japan  has  no  question  of  approach. 
If  he  is  a man  of  thoughtfulness  and  human  sensitiveness  he  will  find 
everywhere  the  most  cordial  welcome.  Many  leaders  of  Buddhism 
are  ready  and  eager  for  conversation  on  the  deeper  spiritual  themes 
which  concern  life  Your  Deputation  found  opportunity  to  discuss 
these  matters  with  Buddhist  scholars  in  their  own  homes,  temples, 
and  colleges,  and  the  same  welcome  is  extended  to  the  intelligent 
Christian  missionary.  Out  of  this  impact  of  Christian  influence 
upon  the  spiritual  thoughtfulness  of  the  race,  it  is  inevitable  that 
both  inner  and  outward  consequences  shall  in  due  time  be  born. 

Present  Obstacles. 

Many  forces  in  Japan,  however,  restrict  the  results  which  might 
ordinarily  be  expected.  Perhaps  chief  of  these  is  the  influence  of  the 
family.  It  is  to  be  remembered  that  the  Japanese  have  not  had 
that  training  which  accustoms  them  to  our  conception  of  the  privi- 
leges and  rights  of  the  individual.  Every  important  movement  of 
life  is  the  subject  of  the  family  council  and  the  break  from  family 
advice  is  fraught  with  consequences  of  the  utmost  seriousness. 
Under  these  circumstances  and  in  the  general  religious  conditions  al- 
ready described,  it  is  the  natural  tendency  that  a Japanese  who  has 
become  interested  in  Christianity  should  endeavor  to  carry  out  the 
new  spirit  under  the  forms  and  in  the  organizations  of  the  established 
habits  and  religion  of  the  family  of  which  he  is  a member.  This 
influence  operates  profoundly  to  thwart  the  development  of  a dis- 
tinctly Christian  organization  among  the  Japanese. 

It  therefore  comes  to  pass  that  the  special  opportunity  to  enlist 
the  Japanese  in  such  radical  change  of  life  as  shall  commit  them 
definitely  to  the  formal  ranks  of  the  Christian  church  comes  when, 
by  some  transition  in  life  plans,  they  have  occasion  to  break  away 
from  the  old  surroundings  of  birth  and  inheritance.  Such  times  of 
readjustment  offer  the  supreme  occasion.  With  the  increase  of 
travel  these  transitions  are  more  and  more  taking  place,  but  pre- 
eminently they  offer  their  opportunity  when  young  people  are  start- 
ing out  upon  their  life  career  in  the  new  world  of  education,  or  for 
livelihood  in  some  new  and  distant  part  of  the  Empire  which  by  its 
advantages  attracts  the  more  virile  and  progressive  elements  of  the 
population. 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


29 


The  Open  Doors. 

Japan  is  at  the  beginning  of  some  of  these  great  movements  of 
her  people  and  they  now  open  to  the  Christian  missionary  conditions 
such  as  have  never  existed  before.  At  the  north  is  the  great  island 
of  the  Hokkaido,  into  which  the  Japanese  government  is  inviting 
a host  of  immigrants.  By  tens  of  thousands  the  aggressive  Japanese 
are  moving  into  this  new  country.  That  these  times  of  transition 
offer  special  Christian  opportunity  is  clearly  indicated  by  the  fact 
that  in  this  island  twice  as  large  a proportion  of  the  population  is 
Christian  as  in  Japan  proper,  and  that  the  number  of  Christians  is 
increasing  twice  as  rapidly,  in  proportion  to  the  population,  as  in 
Old  Japan.  One  cannot  stand  on  the  dock  at  Hakodate  and  see  the 
expectant  thousands  of  Japanese  immigrants  hurry  by  into  the  new 
life  of  this  opening  North  without  feeling  that  here  is  a stirring  op- 
portunity for  deeply  moving  the  life  of  all  Japan. 

The  same  situation  obtains  in  Korea;  also,  we  understand,  to 
some  extent  in  Formosa  and  the  new  islands  into  which  Japan  is 
now  entering  at  the  south.  Earnest  effort  directed  to  these  points 
is  most  successful.  From  these  places  in  turn  the  Christian  influence 
reacts  upon  Japan  proper.  There  is  constant  transfer  both  of  resi- 
dence and  influence  from  these  more  prosperous  and  progressive 
regions  back  into  the  life  of  conservative  Japan. 

In  passing,  attention  should  be  called  to  the  fact  that  the  same 
influences  operate  with  special  force  in  the  movement  of  Japanese  to 
America.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that  one  of  the  supreme  opportu- 
nities for  the  effective  leavening  of  Japan  is  in  the  chance  which  is 
offered  to  reach  the  Japanese  in  Hawaii,  the  Philippines  and  along 
the  Pacific  coast.  Meagre  as  seem  to  have  been  the  outward  re- 
sults of  Christian  influence  upon  Japanese  in  America,  it  is  neverthe- 
less true  that  the  proportion  of  Japanese  Christians  here,  as  related 
to  our  whole  Japanese  population,  is  greater  than  in  Japan,  and  that 
there  is  much  less  of  hindering  opposition.  These  American  Jap- 
anese have  an  undoubted  and  manifold  influence  in  Japan.  They 
represent  an  eager  and  forceful  element  of  the  population,  and  while 
the  travel  back  and  forth  is  not  so  easy,  the  communication  is  perhaps 
more  full  of  heart  for  that  very  reason.  Few  wiser  investments  of 
Christian  effort  can  be  made  than  that  missionaries  to  Japan  be 
allowed  the  privilege  of  working  temporarily,  en  route,  among  the 


30 


Deputation  to  Japan 


Japanese  in  this  country,  thus  making  use  of  that  sensitiveness  of 
affection  and  remembrance  which  is  always  in  evidence  when  a 
traveler  is  far  from  his  home  and  longs  to  have  sympathetic  messages 
carried  to  those  whom  he  holds  dear  and  from  whom  he  has  long  been 
separated. 

Stress  These  Special  Openings. 

As  a general  principle,  the  Christian  missionary  should  stress 
his  effort  at  points  where  there  seems  to  be  obivous  cleavage  in  the 
ranks  of  the  forces  opposing  him.  Parts  of  Japan  are  strongly  and 
stubbornly  conservative.  While  not  abandoning  these  regions,  it 
seems  the  part  of  wisdom  to  throw  the  most  of  our  strength  along 
those  lines  where  there  are  signs  of  distinct  advantage.  There  is 
obviously  a great  difference  in  this  respect  in  various  regions  of  the 
Empire.  There  are  certain  places  in  Old  Japan  where  the  Christian 
movement  is  especially  welcome ; but  in  accordance  with  this  general 
principle  it  would  certainly  seem  wise  to  accentuate  our  work  at 
the  places  where  the  great  transitions  of  life  are  occurring  and  we  ad- 
vise distinct  and  increased  investment  of  missionary  forces  at  these 
points  of  vantage. 

The  Church  in  Japan  Still  Needs  Us. 

How  far  the  appropriation  of  these  opportunities  is  dependent 
on  the  continued  or  increased  investment  of  missionary  forces  re- 
mains yet  to  be  considered,  but  enough  has  already  been  said  to  in- 
dicate that  the  organized  and  effective  church  in  Japan  is  so  small 
that  it  cannot  fully  utilize  the  opportunities  now  presented.  For 
many  years  Japan  will  need  the  fellowship  of  those  vast  and  ancient 
resources  which  have  been  developed  in  other  lands  through  the  ages 
of  Christian  history.  But  at  whatever  hand  the  redemption  of 
Japan  is  achieved  it  will  be  accomplished  fundamentally  through 
the  evangelistic  message.  Other  forms  of  Christian  work  will  have 
their  place;  but  only  through  the  revelation  of  God  as  made  mani- 
fest in  Jesus  Christ  will  these  have  their  sustaining  inspiration.  A 
ministry,  missionary  and  Japanese,  on  fire  with  this  message,  is 
the  first  necessity  of  continued  progress.  To  secure  this  should  be 
our  primary  concern.  And  we  may  be  confidently  assured  that  out 
of  this  birth  of  spiritual  forces  there  will  come  in  due  time,  and  in 
obedience  to  the  power  of  the  spirit  to  form  its  own  habitation,  a 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


31 


■common  Christian  society  such  as  is  beyond  our  power  now  to  formu- 
late or  our  vision  to  comprehend. 


C.  THE  ORGANIZED  KUMIAI  (CONGREGATIONAL) 
CHURCH  IN  JAPAN 

A Strictly  Japanese  Church. 

Next  to  the  actual  advent  of  the  spiritual  message  itself  is  the 
development  of  an  effective  church.  Missionary  work  can  in  no 
wise  be  considered  accomplished  until  such  a native  fellowship  of 
Christ’s  followers  is  set  in  full  array  to  carry  foward  to  completion 
this  work  which  has  been  received  from  other  hands.  That  there 
are  difficulties  in  the  way  of  the  development  of  such  a native 
church  we  have  already  shown.  The  church  cannot  be  a western 
institution  transplanted;  it  must  be  a church  of  the  Japanese.  It 
must  have  all  essential  qualities;  in  other  matters  there  must  be  ab- 
solute liberty  of  adaptation.  It  must  be  a church  of  the  spirit; 
it  need  not  be  a church  of  the  ritual.  It  should  be  a church  in  the 
fellowship  of  which  our  own  American  Christianity  should  indeed  be 
enlightened,  broadened  and  reoriented  in  the  discrimination  of  uni- 
versal and  eternal  verities  from  those  which  are  passing  and  provin- 
cial. It  is  perhaps  right  to  say  that  the  supreme  business  of  our 
missionary  work  in  Japan  is  now  that  of  making  contribution,  as 
we  may,  to  the  eventuation  of  this  militant,  evangelistic  and  effec- 
tive church  out  of  the  great  company  of  Japanese  who  have  already 
felt  the  influence  of  the  spiritual  message.  This  statement  should 
not  be  considered  as  contradictory  to  the  emphasis  placed  upon  our 
evangelistic  errand  but  only  as  indicating  our  conviction  that  the 
crown  and  completion  of  this  mission  is  the  establishment  of  a 
church  which  shall  have  power  permanently  to  project  the  message. 

Well  Led  and  Independent. 

Early  in  our  missionary  work  in  Japan  such  a native  Congrega- 
tional, or  Kumiai,  church  took  definite  form  under  a leadership  of 
marked  ability,  both  intellectual  and  spiritual.  Indeed  it  was  a 
particularly  fortunate  fact  that  the  first  successes  of  our  missionaries 
included  a considerable  proportion  of  Japanese  of  the  upper  classes 
not  only  in  social  position  but  in  individual  capacity  and  outlook. 


32 


Deputation  to  Japan 


Some  of  these  leaders  still  continue  after  many  years  of  notable 
Christian  service  and  their  numbers  have  been  recruited  by  later 
additions  of  men  of  like  consecration.  Under  the  inspiring  influence 
of  Joseph  Neesima  and  others  who  shared  his  spirit  the  native 
churches  and  Christian  schools  of  Japan  speedily  assumed  an  un- 
usual degree  of  independence,  not  only  making  phenomenal  progress 
but  also  giving  promise  of  continued  and  rapid  increase.  The  es- 
tablishment of  an  independent  native  church,  which  in  most  coun- 
tries is  the  delayed  ideal  of  missionary  hope,  was  thus  early  achieved 
in  our  Japanese  life. 

Influenced  by  Anti-foreign  Stress  of  the  Nineties. 

The  solidarity  of  the  Kumiai  church  was  still  further  accentuat- 
ed by  the  anti -foreign  influences  which  swept  over  Japan  in  the  de- 
cade between  1890  and  1900.  The  depth  and  intensity  of  this 
movement  have  never  been  generally  understood,  nor  can  they  read- 
ily be  over-estimated.  In  this  environment  a large  proportion  of 
the  Japanese  Christian  leaders  were  led  to  feel  that  the  work  of  the 
foreign  missionary  was  done  and  that  the  new  Japanese  church  was 
sufficient  for  the  undertaking  of  the  evangelization  of  Japan.  The 
death  of  Neesima  at  this  crisis  still  further  weakened  the  bonds  that 
tended  to  hold  American  and  Japanese  Christians  together.  The 
outcome  was  the  unfortunate  drawing  apart  of  missionary  and 
native  forces  which  led  to  the  appointment  of  the  Deputation 
twenty  years  ago. 

Church  and  Mission  Separate  as  Organizations. 

Since  the  termination  of  that  period  of  misunderstanding, 
many  of  the  influences  which  operated  toward  separation  have 
markedly  decreased  or  entirely  disappeared.  Native  and  mis- 
sionary workers  have  come  to  see  more  clearly,  eye  to  eye,  and  to 
value  each  other’s  character  and  service.  Individual  missionaries 
have  been  particularly  successful  in  co-operating  with  Japanese 
workers.  Nevertheless,  as  organizations  the  Mission  and  the 
Church  have  remained  independent  each  of  the  other,  and  have 
maintained  separate  activities  in  Evangelistic  work.  Technically 
the  mission  as  such  has  been  an  “Affiliated”  rather  than  a strictly 
“Co-operative”  mission,  though  the  mission  has  been  avowedly 
and  actively  co-operative  in  spirit. 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


33 


Other  influences  of  more  permanent  nature  have  emphasized 
the  distinction  between  the  two  bodies.  In  a country  so  conscious 
of  nationality  as  is  Japan  it  is  perfectly  natural  that  the  native 
church  should  feel  itself  responsible  for  the  administration  of  the 
Christian  propaganda  within  its  own  boundaries.  This  is  particu- 
larly so  when  the  body  includes  such  evident  ability  and  consecra- 
tion. In  this  conception  of  Christian  administration  the  foreign 
missionary  is  a contributive  but  not  a ruling  factor.  On  the  other 
hand  our  mission  is  composed  of  able  men  and  women  who  have 
ever  desired  to  give  the  best  that  there  is  in  them  to  the  service  of 
the  missionary  cause  in  Japan.  They  have  behind  them  not  only 
their  specialized  individual  training  but  the  long  and  enlightening 
experience  of  the  Christian  centuries  into  the  inheritance  of  which 
we  have  entered.  They  have  naturally  felt  the  responsibility  of 
doing  their  work  wisely  and  investing  their  resources  with  the  most 
careful  and  discriminating  thoughtfulness.  They  have  thus  felt 
the  importance  of  being  the  administrators  of  a trust.  It  is  obvious 
that  no  arrangement  for  their  mutual  co-operation  with  the  Kumiai 
church  can  be  successful  which  robs  them  of  that  initiative  and  re- 
sponsibility through  which  our  Congregational  missionaries  have  re- 
ceived the  training  which  has  eventuated  in  such  notable  capacity 
and  character. 

Though  Co-operating  in  the  Interests  of  the  One  Church. 

Your  Deputation  found,  however,  that  though  between  these 
two  organizations  there  was  little  official  contact  save  as  the  workers 
were  brought  together  on  local  fields,  there  yet  was  everywhere 
warm  friendship.  The  two  bodies  were  held  to  be  co-operating  in 
the  sense  that  when  the  Mission  accomplished  the  organization  of 
any  Japanese  church  it  was  at  once  passed  over  into  the  fellowship 
and  care  of  the  Kumiai  body.  The  Mission  thus  maintained  no 
independent  churches  of  any  kind.  The  finances  of  the  Mission 
were  devoted  to  the  support  of  the  several  mission  stations,  to  the 
various  unorganized  preaching  places  at  which  missionaries  or  mis- 
sionary helpers  served,  and  to  the  schools  which  were  under  missionary 
administration.  On  the  other  hand,  the  Kumiai  church  cared  for 
the  interests  of  the  self-supporting  and  home  missionary  churches 
and  for  such  work  of  propaganda  as  it  could  itself  support.  For  this 
work  the  church  is  definitely  organized,  its  chief  executive  directorate 


34 


Deputation  to  Japan 


being  known  as  the  Riji,  a body  of  distinctly  able  men  who  con- 
stantly devote  their  best  wisdom  to  the  interests  of  the  body. 

(It  should  be  remarked  in  passing  that  the  administration  of 
the  Kumiai  Church  is  on  the  whole  markedly  more  centralized  than 
is  the  case  among  our  Congregational  churches  in  America,  — this 
form  of  administration  being  more  congenial  to  the  Japanese  con- 
ception of  government  than  it  is  to  us,  so  familiar  with  a democratic 
regime  by  which  leadership  and  authority  proceed  out  of  the  suf- 
frages of  the  mass.) 

They  Should  Eventually  Be  One. 

Howbeit,  it  did  not  seem  to  your  Deputation  that  so  dis- 
tinct and  separate  a life  of  these  two  bodies  belonging  to  the  same 
communion  and  divided  only  by  nationality  could  be  the  ideal  form 
of  fellowship  for  congregational  work  either  in  Japan  or  in  those 
future  fields  in  which  our  Japanese  polity  may  become  a precedent. 
While  recognizing  to  the  full  the  achievements  which  had  been  se- 
cured under  this  separate  organization  we  could  not  but  believe  that 
it  had  been  bred  out  of,  and  adapted  to,  conditions  of  misunder- 
standing which  were  now  happily  passing  and  which  could  best  be 
completely  dissipated  only  by  some  closer  and  more  intimate  fel- 
lowship. Moreover  it  did  not  seem  to  us  that  the  real  unity  or  ad- 
vantage of  the  Christian  church  was  met  when  two  distinct  but 
authoritative  bodies  of  congregational  work  were  in  service  in  the 
same  country.  Our  observation  led  us  to  believe  that  each  body 
would  gain  by  the  development  of  a more  inclusive  fellowship.  In- 
deed we  cannot  but  believe  that  a failure  to  accomplish  a closer  inte- 
gration will  eventually  mean  a friction  that  will  militate  against  the 
mission’s  greatest  usefulness. 

“Ultimate  Integration.’’ 

To  outline  such  a forrn  of  organization  adapted  to  the  growing 
consciousness  of  a missionary  church  is  not  easy.  We  certainly 
cannot  speak  the  final  word  on  a problem  to  which  so  much  thought 
is  given.  Nevertheless  it  is  clearly  obvious  that  to  the  Japanese 
church  belongs  the  primary  responsibility  for  the  administration 
of  the  religious  interests  of  Japan.  While  it  is  true  that  the  admin- 
istration of  these  matters  is  a new  experience  to  Japanese  Chris- 
tians, while  they  lack  in  certain  training  and  inheritance  with  which 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


35 


our  missionaries  are  equipped,  and  while  doubtless  this  will  lead  at 
times  to  what  will  seem  to  us  a lack  of  judgment  and  efficiency  in 
the  administration  of  Christian  affairs,  it  still  must  inevitably  be  the 
part  of  missionary  wisdom  heartily  to  yield  to  the  Japanese  church 
the  right  of  leadership  in  its  own  country. 

Increasing  responsibility  and  authority  of  all  kinds  must  be 
centered  in  the  Japanese  church.  Indeed  we  must  be  prepared  to 
take  our  place  as  somehow  integrated  with  this  as  the  responsible  body. 
That  such  an  organization  offering  adequate  place  and  leadership 
for  all  concerned  is  difficult  to  formulate  is  obvious  from  what  has 
been  said. 

The  Mission  Has  a Future. 

Under  these  circumstances  and  faced  with  these  perplexities, 
problems  and  adjustments,  it  might  perhaps  be  urged  at  first  thought 
that  the  Japanese  church  is  now  so  far  established  that  it  would  I c 
the  part  of  wisdom  for  us  to  withdraw  from  the  Empire,  thus  avoid- 
ing the  questions  of  mechanism  beVween  the  Kumiai  body  and  the 
Mission.  But  anyone  who  carefully  views  the  situation  cannot  for  a 
moment  thinl^that  this  is  the  time  for  such  a course  of  action.  Even 
to  the  most  casual  observer  it  is  clear  that  neither  the  Kumiai  body 
nor  the  Japanese  church  as  a whole  is  yet  able  with  any  adequacy 
to  deal  with  the  situation.  None  are  more  emphatic  in  this  conclu- 
sion than  are  the  churches  of  Japan  themselves.  With  one  voice 
and  with  a common  urgency  they  insist  that  the  critical  and  vital 
issues  of  the  hour  are  so  important  and  their  own  forces  so  meagre 
that  the  abandonment  of  Japan  by  missionary  forces  would  be  dis- 
astrous. In  a population  of  perhaps  seventy-five  million  in  Greater 
Japan  there  are  hardly  one  hundred  thousand  Christians  connected 
with  all  Protestant  communions  of  every  sort,  and  of  this  number 
the  membership  of  the  Kumiai  church,  active  and  absentee,  includes 
only  about  twenty  thousand.  When  one  considers  how  many  of 
these  are  young  people;  how  few  of  them  as  yet  have  had  any  ade- 
quate training;  and  how  widely  they  are  scattered  over  the  extended 
limits  of  the  Empire,  it  is  obvious  how  slight  an  organized  force  has 
yet  been  developed.  . When  we  recall  also  how  much  specialized 
training  has  gone  into  the  preparation  of  our  own  ministry  in  America, 
how  considerable  that  ministry  is  in  numbers,  and  indeed  how  our 
laity  has  been  trained  by  generations  of  Christian  preparation ; and 


36 


Deputation  to  Japan 


when  over  against  these  resources  we  set  the  small  numbers  of  the 
Japanese  church  and  the  fact  that  it  is  the  development  of  only  a 
few  brief  years  and  in  a land  far  away  from  all  of  the  organized  move- 
ments of  Christianity,  it  is  at  once  evident  how  inadequate  this 
church  is  for  meeting  the  tremendous  issue  which  is  upon  it  at  this 
time. 

Wise  Adjustment  Necessary. 

We  are  thus  led  back  to  the  obvious  duty  of  adjusting  our  mis- 
sionary work  to  co-operation  with  the  Kumiai  church  in  the  effort 
to  assure  its  rise  to  adequate  power.  While  maintaining  its  integrity 
and  leadership  we  must  contribute  to  it  a full  inheritance  of  effective- 
ness in  all  the  methods  and  resources  which  are  ours  by  the  long  con- 
tributions of  Christian  history  and  service.  That  this  is  not  easy 
to  accomplish  is  evident;  that  it  will  involve  difficulties  and  much  of 
tactful  forbearance  on  both  sides  is  inevitable.  That  it  is  the 
method  of  ultimate  progress,  at  the  end  of  which  is  the  establishment 
of  a strong  independent  Japanese  church,  seems  to  be  assured. 

Your  Deputation  feels  therefore  that  at  such  a stage  of  mission- 
ary progress  as  we  have  reached  in  Japan  way  must  be  found  hap- 
pily to  involve  the  missionary  influence  inside  the  native  church. 
This  does  not  mean  that  the  unity  or  self-consciousness  of  the  Mis- 
sion shall  be  lost;  rather  these  should  be  carefully  preserved;  but 
the  Mission  should  take  on  the  form  of  an  evangelistic  band  so  in- 
timately involved  in  the  life  of  the  native  church  that  all  distinctions 
of  “mine”  and  “thine”  shall  disappear.  Instead,  of  being  a body 
which,  with  separate  organization  and  a distinct  sphere  of  labor, 
turns  over  its  product  to  the  native  church  as  now  — there  to  find 
henceforth  another  oversight  and  fellowship  — it  must  become  a 
body  which  from  within  contributes  its  manifold  helpfulness  toward 
all  those  problems  and  tasks  which  compose  the  rounded  life  of  an 
efficient  church.  Unless  there  is  inherent  reason  why  diverse  nation- 
alties  cannot  work  together  this  seems  to  us  the  true  way  of  effective 
Christian  fraternity. 

Suggested  Steps  Toward  Integration. 

Your  Deputation  therefore  advised  the  Mission  that  it  find 
increasingly  some  such  form  of  incorporated  life  with  the  Kumiai 
church.  We  urged  that  it  seek  in  itself,  to  a measurable  degree,  so  to 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


37 


duplicate  the  lines  of  the  Kumiai  church  as  to  facilitate  co-operative 
contact  and  fellowship  between  its  own  missionaries  and  the  church 
workers  engaged  in  similar  lines  of  endeavor.  This  effort  would 
seem  to  begin  with  the  general  practice  of  becoming  members  of 
Kumiai  churches.  This  action  is  not  uncommon  and  seems  to  have 
been  taken  with  uniformly  good  results.  Following  this  would  be 
regular  participation,  as  elected,  in  the  district  and  national  meet- 
ings of  the  Kumiai  church.  Indeed  the  rules  of  this  church  are  now 
in  process  of  modification  so  that  missionaries  can  regularly  be  mem- 
bers of  these  bodies. 

A Field  Secretary. 

As  correlating  the  organization  of  the  Mission  and  the  church 
we  suggested  the  Mission’s  appointment  of  a Field  Secretary.  This 
official  should  not  only  be  the  servant  of  the  Mission  in  the  matter 
of  co-operating  with  all  stations  and  of  exerting  friendly  oversight  of 
stations  temporarily  deprived  of  other  missionary  direction,  but  also, 
by  fellowship  with  a like  general  official  of  the  Kumiai  church  should 
ser\^e  as  a main  point  of  contact  between  the  two  bodies.  Still 
further  to  develop  this  sense  of  community  in  work  we  suggested  the 
hope  that  it  might  be  found  practicable  to  bring  certain  missionaries 
serving  considerable  sections  of  territory  into  some  semi-official 
relation  with  the  Kumiai  body,  as  also  the  representatives  of  that 
body,  so  that  both  the  Mission  and  the  church  might  feel  a sense  of 
ownership  and  responsibility  in  the  work  of  these  agents.  We  fur- 
ther urged  the  appointment  of  certain  younger  members  of  the  Mis- 
sion, as  the  other  imperative  needs  of  our  stations  would  allow,  to  the 
positions  of  assistant  or  associate  pastors  in  a few  of  the  Japanese 
churches.  It  is  our  belief  that  in  this  form  of  service  a considerable 
contribution  could  be  made  to  the  effectiveness  of  these  churches  and 
that  also  by  this  form  of  co-operation  such  younger  missionaries 
could  have  those  opportunities  of  close  association  with  Japanese 
leaders  as  would  furnish  a favorable  introduction  to  their  life  work. 

Church  to  Assure  Missionary  Initiative. 

While  thus  urging  the  Mission  to  seek  closer  fellowship  with 
the  Kumiai  church  your  Deputation,  on  the  other  hand,  felt  that  the 
missionaries  should  be  assured  of  the  utmost  latitude  in  service.  We 
constantly  pointed  out,  not  only  to  the  Riji  but  to  other  members  of 


38 


Deputation  to  Japan 


the  Kumiai  church,  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  the  Board  to 
secure  missionaries  of  influence  and  such  commanding  weight  as  the 
Japanese  themselves  desire  if  there  were  not  granted  at  the  same  time 
large  freedom  of  initiative  and  a full  sense  of  comradeship  in  leader- 
ship. To  these  expressions  the  Riji  gave  the  most  warm  and  cordial 
response  and  in  such  fashion  that  the  Deputation  can  entertain  no 
doubt  that  such  range  of  independent  service  will  not  only  be  granted 
to  the  missionary  but  will  be  desired  and  sought  from  him. 

No  Community  of  Funds  at  Present. 

We  should  perhaps  call  attention  to  the  fact  that  in  all  this  dis- 
cussion no  reference  was  made  to  the  community  of  financial  affairs. 
It  was  uniformly  recognized  that  the  Mission  should  have  control  of 
its  own  funds.  At  the  same  time,  it  is  true  that  at  certain  stations 
there  has  been  some  effort  at  mutual  counsel  regarding  the  use  of 
its  funds.  It  is  possible  that  the  time  may  come  when  care  of 
such  should  become  a matter  of  common  consideration  and 
advice.  Your  Deputation  believes  that  individual  stations  might 
well  be  allowed  to  experiment  regarding  this  matter.  We  believe 
that  the  problem  is  not  now  fraught  with  the  difficulties  which  were 
associated  with  it  even  a decade  ago.  At  the  same  time,  we  believe 
that  the  closer  integration  of  the  two  bodies  need  not  necessarily 
involve  the  common  purse,  and  it  is  our  judgment  that  the  move- 
ments which  we  have  advised  should  proceed  along  lines  which  do 
not  at  present  involve  a common  administration  of  the  funds 
which  come  independently  to  the  different  organizations. 

Sending  Specialists  Important  Step. 

In  conclusion,  it  should  be  said  that  as  the  Japanese  church 
takes  on  form  and  efficiency  it  will  more  and  more  need  to  employ  the 
service  of  specialists  in  the  various  departments  of  activity  which 
are  characteristic  of  successful  church  work.  Naturally  the  number 
of  such  well-trained  workers  in  Japan  is  limited.  Having  had  little 
opportunity  for  experience  at  home,  such  specialists  must  be  trained 
in  Christian  countries,  and  the  number  of  those  who  have  had  such 
experience  abroad  is  insufficient.  The  result  is  that  J apanese  leaders 
appointed  to  various  specialized  forms  of  work  find  themselves  in- 
adequately fitted  for  their  undertaking.  There  is  therefore  an  urgent 
pressure  that  we  should  send  out  men  whohavehad  a definite  training 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


39 


in  these  forms  of  co-operation.  As  an  example,  there  is  a great  ur- 
gency that  the  Japanese  church  should  be  supplied  with  specialists 
in  Sunday  School  work.  These  men  and  women  would  go  as  mis- 
sionaries of  the  Board  but  would  receive  also  honorary  appointments 
as  co-operating  agents  with  the  Kumiai  church.  Their  work  would 
thus  be  in  fellowship  and  co-operation  with  the  great  agents  appoint- 
ed by  the  Kumiai  church  itself.  Your  Deputation  believes  that  in 
this  form  of  co-operation  there  are  large  possibilities  of  usefulness  and 
that  by  such  appointments  the  work  of  the  Board  and  of  the  Kumiai 
church  can  be  more  closely  identified. 


Encouraging  Co-operation  of  Church. 

While  the  problem  of  such  mutual  relation  is  a difficult  one,  and 
will  undoubtedly  involve  study  and  experiment,  it  is  nevertheless 
a matter  of  gratitude  and  encouragement  to  us  that  such  a native 
church  with  self-confidence,  individual  initiative,  and  high  sense  of 
hope  and  responsibility  has  arisen  in  Japan.  To  share  as  members 
in  the  struggles  of  such  a growing  church,  to  give  it  daily  encourage- 
ment from  within  and  to  go  forward  with  it  on  its  way  toward  the 
ultimate  conquest  of  its  own  people  for  Christ  is  a matter  of  our 
largest  concern,  as  it  will  be  an  evidence  of  our  greatest  missionary 
efficiency. 

D.  THE  DEPLOYING  OF  MISSIONARY  FORCES 

Two  forms  of  geographical  approach  in  missionary  effort  are 
conceivable  and  have  been  illustrated  in  actual  missionary  practice. 
The  missionary  strategist  may  plan  to  occupy  some  small  portion  of 
the  country  to  be  entered,  with  the  purpose  of  making  this  section 
a center  and  stronghold  from  which  the  Christian  influences  shall 
gradually  radiate  throughout  the  whole  nation.  Or,  the  plan  of  ap- 
proach may  project  the  occupation  of  strategic  points  covering  the 
whole  country,  with  the  purpose  of  securing  an  earlier  and  more 
general  effectiveness.  In  Japan  the  American  Board  has  proceeded 
along  lines  of  the  latter  method.  The  work  began  at  the  treaty 
port  of  Kobe  but  early  spread  to  the  considerable  cities  in  that 
neighborhood.  Then  important  places  in  various  parts  of  the  Em- 
pire were  entered,  until  practically  the  whole  of  Japan  was  occupied 
at  significant  points  of  vantage.  From  that  time  on  the  American 


40 


Deputation  to  Japan 


Board  has  conceived  of  its  mission  in  Japan 
as  a national  project. 

Board  Has  Occupied  Strategic  Centers. 

While  this  gradual  unfolding  of  the 
work  followed  lines  of  cleavage  and  of  op- 
portunity, one  who  looks  thoughtfully  upon 
our  missionary  map  of  Japan  must  be  im- 
pressed with  the  fact  that  through  a singu- 
larly wise  guidance  we  have  been  led  upon 
our  way.  We  have  stations  at  Kobe, 
Osaka,  the  ancient  capital  of  Kyoto,  and 
Okayama  with  its  outlaying  missionary 
station  of  Tsuyama.  This  touches  Central 
Japan,  that  great  industrial  and  commer- 
cial center  along  the  Inland  Sea.  To  the 
north  we  occupy  the  modem  capital,  Tokyo 
the  doorway  of  the  empire.  Close  by,  but 
inland,  within  a great  silk-producing  prov- 
ince is  our  Maebashi  station. 

The  center  and  north  of  the  main 
island  are  commanded  from 
Sendai;  while  on  the  western 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


41 


coast  our  missionary  forces  occupy  Niigata,  northward,  and 
Tottori  to  the  southward.  Every  portion  of  the  central  island  is 
thus  reached  with  comparative  ease  from  these  notable  missionary 
centers.  In  the  great  island  of  Hokkaido  on  the  north  toward  which 
such  tides  of  immigration  are  now  setting,  we  occupy  the  capital 
center,  Sapporo,  with  its  neighboring  city  of  Otaru.  The  two  large 
islands  to  the  south  of  the  main  island,  Shikoku  and  Kiushiu,  also 
have  American  Board  stations,  Matsuyama  and  Miyazaki,  respec- 
tively. A glance  at  the  map  will  show  that  an  imperial  plan  of  re- 
ligious investment  could  hardly  be  more  wisely  organized. 

Through  Which  It  Is  Touching  Whole  Empire. 

While  some  may  doubt  as  to  whether  any  single  denomination 
should  aspire  thus  to  spread  its  influence  broadcast  over  a whole  em- 
pire, no  one  could  now  advise  retreat ; for  it  is  evident  that  through 
this  process  of  missionary  deployment  in  Japan  there  has  come  into 
our  hands  a matchless  opportunity  of  splendidly  accelerated  influence. 
We  are  here  offered  a statesman’s  opportunity  in  the  land  which 
dominates  the  destinies  of  the  New  East,  and  since  with  interde- 
nominational approval  we  have  occupied  these  centers,  we  have 
obviously  no  right  to  abandon  the  undertaking  until  we  have 
achieved  the  results  which  these  points  of  vantage  place  within  our 
grasp.  Here  is  indeed  an  open  door  to  an  influence  upon  the  whole 
range  of  the  empire,  upon  Asia  and  upon  the  world. 

Coincident  with  this  unfolding  of  our  missionary  program, 
members  of  the  Kumiai  church  moving  back  and  forth  over  the  em- 
pire have  not  only  carried  with  them  the  common  message  of  the 
gospel  but  have  also  established  themselves  widely  though  in  small 
numbers  throughout  the  empire.  The  very  fact  that  the  Kumiai 
Christians  are  so  scattered  makes  the  missionary  co-operation  the 
more  helpful  and  important.  In  its  small  numbers  covering  so 
extensive  a territory,  Japanese  Christianity  in  its  organized  form  is 
indeed  as  yet  a thin  line,  and  any  slight  shifting  of  forces  leaves  only 
a meagre  and  struggling  church  facing  tremendous  odds.  Under 
these  circumstances  it  is  impossible  to  over-estimate  the  service 
that  the  Christian  missionary  renders  even  in  places  where  the  gospel 
has  already  found  entrance.  Our  mission  stations,  therefore,  are 
at  points  of  vantage  for  co-operation  with  the  Kumiai  churches  in 
the  development  of  our  communion  in  all  the  various  portions  of 
Japan. 


42 


Deputation  to  Japan 


Disastrous  to  Give  up  Stations. 

We  can  hardly  over-estimate  the  importance  of  sustaining  our 
missionary  forces  until  the  church  of  Japan  has  more  generally  ac- 
quired the  ability  to  maintain  and  to  administer  its  own  organiza- 
tion. Considering  the  areas  to  be  covered  and  the  difficulties  to  be 
faced  this  will  doubtless  be  a considerable  period  of  years.  The  dis- 
appearance of  a missionary  from  a given  region  often  takes  away  just 
that  element  of  constructive  and  aggressive  influence  which  makes 
the  church  a force,  and  throws  it  back  upon  a period  of  dismay,  if 
not  of  actual  disintegration  and  death.  Take  Sendai  for  example. 
Under  the  compulsion  of  a diminished  missionary  force,  it  seemed 
wise  to  the  Mission  to  close  that  station,  a missionary  of  the  Woman’s 
Board  alone  remaining  at  a point  which  has  been  of  central  impor- 
tance. The  results  have  been  most  pitiful.  Your  Deputation  found 
a sad  condition  of  weakened  churches  and  disheartened  native  work- 
ers. While  in  some  places  the  Kumiai  groups  have  properly 
allied  themselves  with  other  communions,  in  other  places  the  Kum- 
iai churches  have  remained  the  sole  occupants.  These  have  dwindled 
and  dwindled  through  lack  of  oversight  and  the  Christian  light  is 
fading  from  those  communities  in  consequence.  The  depleted  vigor 
of  these  struggling  bodies  is  testimony  to  the  fact  that  it  was  at 
serious  loss  to  Christian  interests  that  that  work  of  the  Board  was 
closed. 

Comity  Considerations  Call  For  Our  Co-operation. 

The  question  of  comity  in  Japan  is  an  interesting  one.  It  may 
well  indeed  be  urged  that  the  lines  of  denominationalism  should  be 
obliterated  on  the  mission  field,  and  particularly  that  the  Japanese 
churches  should  not  be  allowed  to  fall  heir  to  the  separation  into 
sects  which  has  obtained  in  this  country.  Under  this  view  Japanese 
Christians  of  the  Kumiai  church  should  be  consistently  advised  to 
ally  themselves  with  the  general  body  of  the  followers  of  Christ 
in  whatever  town  they  may  come.  Theoretically  such  a denomina- 
tional division  of  Japan  as  would  prevent  the  conflict  of  our  mis- 
sionary forces  has  been  arranged  among  the  various  communions 
working  in  Japan.  But  it  is  to  be  said  that  such  a division  of  the 
field,  while  measurably  helpful  for  guidance  in  our  missionary  work, 
faces  almost  unsurmountable  difficulties.  While  there  is  an  inter- 
denominational union  of  Japanese  Christians,  it  is  a somewhat  singu- 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


43 


lar  fact  that  the  lines  of  denominationalism  are  probably  more 
sharply  drawn  between  the  Japanese  Christian  churches  than  be- 
tween the  churches  of  our  own  country.  And  it  must  be  admitted 
that  this  attitude  is  not  wholly  without  reason.  With  us  certain 
issues  of  polity  mean  vastly  less  than  they  do  in  Japan.  In  particular, 
our  Kumiai  church  has  felt  that  our  Congregational  polity,  with 
its  emphasis  upon  the  Christian  view  of  the  individual  and  the  rights 
of  a self-controlled  society,  had  a profound  ministry  to  fulfill  in  the 
life  of  a country  which  is  only  gradually  advancing  out  of  the  atti- 
tudes and  habits  of  a feudal  autocracy.  In  a singular  measure  the 
Kumiai  church  has  felt  a holy  allegiance  to  the  principles  to  which 
our  Pilgrim  Fathers  bore  witness.  Furthermore,  as  Christian  his- 
tory has  developed  in  Japan,  the  Kumiai  church  has  been  par  excel- 
lence the  independent  J apanese  church.  It  has  carried  the  standards 
of  a national  Christianity.  More  tha’n  any  other  it  has  been  ad- 
ministered by  Japanese  leadership,  and  in  the  public  eye  it  may 
fairly  be  said  that  it  has,  by  its  form  of  organization,  a prestige  as  a 
Japanese  movement.  It  is  therefore  released  from  those  hesitations 
which  are  more  or  less  inevitably  involved  in  any  land  when  foreigners 
are  conspicuous  in  places  of  administration.  For  these  reasons, 
the  Kumiai  church  has  felt  that  it  had  a national  ministry  in  Japan 
and  a moral  obligation,  within  bounds,  to  foster  the  establishment  of 
its  local  groups  in  all  parts  of  the  empire. 

As  an  outcome  of  such  influences,  there  has  been  a feeling  among 
the  various  Japanese  communions  that  the  matter  of  comity  is  one 
in  which  they  themselves  are  primarily  concerned  and  which  they 
themselves  should  administer  as  over  against  the  missionary  au- 
thorities and  foreign  boards.  They  have  insisted  that  it  was  not 
within  the  province  of  foreigners  to  divide  the  empire  and  to  set 
bounds  to  the  spread  of  the  various  forms  of  polity  and  faith.  With 
reason  they  have  urged  that  any  real  comity  must  be  a matter  of 
arrangement  between  the  native  churches  themselves,  and  that 
while  such  comity  should  prevent  an  unseemly  scramble  among 
various  communions  it  should  not  operate  to  prevent  the  natural 
spread  of  the  various  churches  into  the  different  portions  of  the 
empire  in  a land  where  there  is  untold  need  of  Christian  work  and 
ample  room  for  the  establishment  of  the  various  forms  of  Christian 
discipleship. 

The  result  of  all  these  influences  is  the  unquestioned  fact  that, 
regardless  of  any  mission  comity  rules,  Congregationalism  in  the 


44 


Deputation  to  Japan 


form  of  the  Kumiai  church  is  to  spread  through  all  parts  of  the  em- 
pire. Furthermore,  it  seems  certain  that  as  an  outstanding  Japanese 
church  it  is  to  have  special  right  of  way  in  the  new  regions  which 
Japan  has  acquired,  where  the  purpose  is  to  have  the  religious 
forces  of  a distinctly  Japanese  complexion  and  under  Japanese  ad- 
ministration. The  question  which  coiicerns  us,  therefore,  is  merely 
whether  we  shall  allow  this  church  to  go  upon  its  way  in  comparative 
weakness  and  in  avowed  inadequacy,  or  whether,  from  the  various 
points  of  occupation  over  the  empire,  we  shall  seek  to  reinforce  it 
by  the  companionship  and  co-operation  of  our  missionaries,  while 
trusting  that  a native  system  of  sound  comity  will  be  evolved  which 
shall  insure  good  team  work  with  the  other  communions. 

To  this  question  there  can  be  but  one  answer:  As  we  have  ful- 
filled our  part  in  the  introduction  of  the  Christian  spirit  into  the 
life  of  Japan,  so  we  must  continue  to  help  to  our  utmost  in  the  develop- 
ment of  a strong,  trained,  and  forceful  independent  church,  and  in 
the  fulfilment  of  its  special  mission.  Only  when  that  shall  have 
been  accomplished  can  we  consider  the  possibility  of  withdrawal 
without  losses  which  shall  be  irreparable  in  their  extent  and  their 
consequences.  We  can  stand  by  this  responsibility  in  full  trust  that 
in  time  a sound  native  system  of  comity  will  be  evolved  which  shall 
insure  constructive  advance  of  our  unit  in  perfect  liaison  with  the 
other  units  of  Christ’s  church. 

Country,  Advantages  and  Disadvantages. 

On  the  other  hand,  it  should  not  be  forgotten  that  there  are 
very  real  dangers  in  seeking  to  plan  our  work  in  regions  so  sparsely 
settled  that  self-support  can  never  be  reasonably  hoped  for.  With- 
drawal from  such  locations  has  such  inevitably  heartbreaking  con- 
sequences in  leaving  a shepherdless  folk  unable  to  secure  adequate 
oversight  that  the  tendency  is  to  linger  on  in  such  places  even  when 
the  investment  has  ceased  to  bring  proportionately  adequate  re- 
sults. The  plan,  therefore,  is  likely  to  result  in  the  long  and  unwise 
continuance  of  such  mission  stations  in  which  it  is  not  the  part  of 
wisdom  to  involve  ourselves. 

It  has  been  a favorite  suggestion  with  many  that  our  Board 
while  holding  its  work  in  the  populated  centers,  should  give 
its  emphasis  to  those  opportunities  which  unquestionably  exist  in 
the  smaller  towns  and  country  districts.  In  favor  of  this  policy  it  is 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


45 


to  be  said  that  the  Japanese  are  themselves  more  and  more  occupying 
the  great  centers,  whereas  there  is  in  the  rural  districts  an  openness 
of  heart  and  facility  of  familiar  approach  which  do  not  exist  in  the 
more  formal  life  of  the  large  city.  A missionary  who  locates  in  the 
country  can  make  the  teaching  of  English  a vehicle  of  reaching  an 
unlimited  number  of  the  most  vigorous  and  promising  youth  of  the 
region  and  certain  of  the  missionary  efforts  made  in  such  regions 
are  beyond  measure  interesting  and  inspiring. 

Hold  All  Stations. 

Your  Deputation  comes  unanimously  and  most  earnestly  to 
the  conclusion  that  not  only  all  the  present  stations  of  the 
Board  should  be  maintained  but  that  also  the  Board  should 
re-establish  itself  with  at  least  one  missionary  family  in  Sendai. 
While  other  denominations  are  at  work  there,  we  are  assured 
by  them  that  the  missionary  of  the  Board  would  be  welcome. 
Indeed,  the  renewal  of  our  missionary  work  at  that  point  would 
add  to  the  common  success  of  all  Christian  work. 

We  must  hold  what  we  have  gained  at  great  sacrifice,  while 
strengthening  our  positions  at  vulnerable  spots  and  strategic 
places.  Who  could  deliberately  close  a single  station  in  the  face 
of  Japan’s  crucial  need  today ; of  the  almost  pathetic  call  of  the 
Japanese  Christians  for  assistance;  of  the  inability  of  the  other 
communions  to  take  over  our  fields  and  to  work  them  adequately ; 
of  our  God’s  clear  call  to  save  Japan,  to  save  the  East?  We  dare 
not  recommend  anything  but  a wise,  comprehensive,  constructive 
plan  of  continued  effort  in  Japan. 

To  carry  on  effectively  the  work  of  all  these  stations  including 
Sendai  will  undoubtedly  require  a considerable  increase  of  the  mis- 
sionary forces  as  well  as  the  investment  of  adequate  funds  for  the 
renewal  of  the  material  equipment  of  these  stations.  Under  the 
uncertain  conditions  of  our  earlier  relations  to  the  Japanese  church, 
the  Board  felt  that  it  was  unwise  to  send  more  than  the  most  meagre 
number  of  recruits  to  the  Japanese  mission.  Doubtful  as  to  what 
was  to  be  the  future  of  the  work,  the  material  equipment  was  al- 
lowed to  deteriorate.  The  result  has  been,  as  already  indicated, 
that  a wholly  inadequate  number  of  missionaries  is  struggling  to 
maintain  these  important  centers  of  Christian  endeavor.  Sendai  was 
abandoned  simply  because  there  were  not  enough  missionaries  to 


46 


Deputation  to  Japan 


hold  these  points,  even  with  the  thinnest  and  most  inadequate  line. 
It  will  not  be  possible  to  maintain  them  save  as  there  shall  be  a sub- 
stantial increase  of  ordained  missionaries.  Buildings  and  equip- 
ment in  places  give  an  impression  of  unprogressiveness.  Compara- 
tively little  construction  has  been  done  for  nearly  twenty  years  and 
a considerable  expenditure  of  money  will  be  required  in  several  of 
the  stations  to  put  them  into  modem  form  for  effective  work.  That 
this  investment  will  amply  and  richly  justify  itself  is  our  conviction. 

Modification  of  Big  City  Policy. 

Owing  to  the  increased  hold  of  the  Japanese  Christians  upon 
the  larger  centers,  together  with  the  opening  of  opportunity  in  the 
less  populated  places,  your  Deputation  of  1896  advised  that  there  be 
no  further  development  of  work  in  Tokyo,  Osaka,  Kyoto,  Kobe,  or 
Okayama,  the  outstanding  centers  of  population  in  which  our  sta- 
tions have  been  located.  That  Deputation  felt  that  these  centers 
would  be  adequately  cared  for  through  the  native  churches  and  by 
the  work  of  other  interested  communions.  The  present  Deputa- 
tion recognizes  and  agrees  with  the  principles  which  led  to  the  earlier 
conclusions.  We  would,  however,  point  out  certain  modifications 
which  the  experience  of  the  last  twenty  years  has  shown  to  be  im- 
portant. The  definite  purpose  to  withdraw  emphasis  in  the  larger 
cities  and  to  scatter  our  work  over  the  empire  has  operated  to  leave 
us,  as  a Mission,  without  any  strong  and  inspiring  center  and  focus 
of  our  general  missionary  work.  As  your  Deputation  traveled  about 
it  was  impressed  with  the  fact  that  any  observer  would  feel  that  our 
work  consisted  simply  of  a considerable  number  of  rather  independent 
and  inadequately  supplied  stations  and  that  the  unqualified  policy 
of  leaving  the  large  cities  would  result  in  the  sense  of  diffusion  and 
weakness  and  the  loss  of  unity  and  centralized  power.  As  a matter 
of  fact  our  Mission  in  Japan  does  not  give  the  impression  of  force 
that  might  reasonably  be  expected  of  a body  that  is  really  so  large 
and  important.  Your  Deputation  cannot  but  feel  that  at  least  one 
city  of  the  empire  should  be  selected  as  in  some  sense  a citadel  of 
general  missionary  work,  a point  which  shall  thus  be  an  illustration 
of  manifold  Christian  energy,  such  as  we  cannot  hope  to  make  at 
every  stat'on,  and  consequently  to  exert  an  impressive  and  widely 
radiated  influence. 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


47 


Choose  Moderate  Sized  City. 

We  have  been  led,  therefore,  unanimously  to  the  conviction 
that  choice  should  be  made  of  some  city  where  our  Congregational 
forces  can  be  centered,  for  a large  and  varied  work.  For  this  purpose 
a city  of  moderate  size  should  be  selected  though  probably  not  one 
of  the  largest  in  the  empire  for  there  our  work  is  less  needed  and  is 
more  likely  to  be  submerged  in  the  metropolitan  life.  On  the 
other  hand  the  city  should  not  be  too  small,  for  here  the  work  would 
not  have  adequate  scope,  range,  or  prominence.  Moreover,  it  should 
be  a center  of  a large  rural  community.  We  believe  that  evangelistic, 
social,  and  educational  agencies  such  as  are  characteristic  of  the  most 
aggressive  Christian  effort  in  America  should  here  be  established, 
an  illustration  of  communal  evangelism.  We  believe  that  this 
effort  is  so  desirable  that  it  should  be  made,  if  necessary,  even  at 
some  expense  to  the  other  stations.  We  would  recommend  the  es- 
tablishment here  of  experts  in  various  lines  of  Christian  work  who 
should  carry  their  specialized  form  of  ministration  into  all  parts  of 
the  empire.  We  should  be  glad  to  see  the  work  so  organized,  so 
splendidly  efficient  and  so  closely  allied  with  the  work  of  the  Japanese 
church  itself  that  young  Japanese  might  find  in  this  environment  an 
inspiring  vision  of  Christian  work  at  full  tide  and  also  the  opportunity 
of  training  in  the  various  forms  of  Christian  specialization  and  in  the 
administration  of  those  agencies  which  are  characteristically  asso- 
ciated with  Christian  work.  How  greatly  Japan  needs  this  view  of 
aggressive  Christianity! 

At  present  there  is  little  possibility  that  a Japanese  leader  shall 
have  actual  contact  with  such  work  save  as  he  may  make  the  long 
journey  to  America  or  to  England  with  a considerable  residence  in 
these  countries.  Unfortunately  such  a privilege  can  come  to  but  few 
of  the  Japanese  and  without  it  the  real  content  and  meaning  of 
Christian  work  can  hardly  be  even  dim.ly  comprehended.  To  create 
such  an  outstanding  illustration  of  what  Christianity  can  be  when 
adequately  supported  would  seem  to  be  a most  inspiring  project 
for  some  great  Christian  philanthropist.  For  the  sight  of  such  work, 
set  in  the  very  heart  of  Japan  would  certainly  fire  the  imagination 
and  the  ambition  of  multitudes  of  youngjapanese  and  participation 
in  it  would  train  them  to  Christian  efficiency  wherever  in  the  Em- 
pire their  life  work  may  be  fulfilled. 


48 


Deputation  to  Japan 


Obviously  such  a station  should  have  first  claim  upon  the 
Mission’s  purse  and  personnel.  It  should  be  kept  fully  manned 
and  financed  even  when  this  would  mean  vacancies  in  other  sta- 
tions pending  the  receipt  of  reinforcements.  Indeed  we  can  see 
how  having  some  one  station  of  such  primary  importance  would  be 
necessary  in  view  of  the  undoubted  delay  in  re-manning  the  entire 
field. 

Okayama,  as  Demonstration  Center. 

After  long  consideration  your  committee  unanimously  urges 
the  consideration  of  the  peculiar  advantages  of  Okayama  as  such  a 
center.  While  this  city  is  included  in  the  list  eliminated  by  the 
former  Deputation,  it  is  the  smallest  city  of  that  list.  It  is  a city 
in  which  Christianity  found  one  of  its  earliest  and  most  friendly  ap- 
proaches and  that  peculiarly  friendly  atmosphere  still  exists  there. 
The  co-operation  of  missionary  forces  would  be  eagerly  welcomed. 
It  is  a city  where  certain  forms  of  educational  work  are  particularly 
needed  and  are  as  yet  unsupplied.  The  city  is  large  enough  also  to 
supply  field  and  area  for  various  forms  of  work;  indeed  some  social 
work  has  already  been  started  there  though  with  inadequate  re- 
sources. It  is  surrounded  by  towns  and  villages  open  to  the  Gospel. 
Two  native  churches  of  markedly  spiritual  character  and  under  wise 
leadership  are  in  existence.  On  the  other  hand,  neither  the  native 
church  nor  other  denominations  have  made  it  a center  of  first  impor- 
tance. It  would  naturally  be  considered,  as  it  has  been  considered, 
an  American  Board  field.  Our  Board  there  would  have  ample  free- 
dom for  this  great  undertaking.  Added  to  these  considerations  is 
the  fact  that  Okayama’s  geographical  location  is  most  favorable. 

Summary. 

Given  such  a demonstration  center;  with  lines  reaching  out  to 
the  various  strategic  points  where  our  stations  are  now  established, 
and  ultimately  to  Korea  and  Manchuria;  with  emphasis  accentuated 
where  there  is  evidently  assured  cleavage;  with  a mission  given 
unity  and  an  efficient  but  responsible  leadership;  with  an  organ- 
ization so  adapted  that  it  shall  correlate  co-operatively  through 
specialists,  officials  and  pastors  with  like  agencies  of  the  Kumiai 
church;  with  a fellowship  of  Congregational  workers  in  Japan  such 
as  shall  lodge  final  responsibility  with  the  native  church  but  shall 
also  give  scope  for  intelligent  helpfulness  to  the  missionary  co-laborer ; 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


49 


with  earnest  and  helpful  sympathy  toward  other  communions; 
and  with  a passion  of  the  spirit  for  a redeemed  Japan  — it  would 
seem  as  if  we  had  to  our  fullest  ability  set  ourselves  to  occupy  one  of 
the  largest  opportunities  which  has  befallen  a church  of  Christ  in  all 
the  days  of  Christian  history. 


E.  THE  EDUCATIONAL  WORK 

/ 

The  missionary  movement  has  found  some  of  its  most  conse- 
crated and  efficient  agents  in  the  physician  and  the  educator.  A 
new  valuation,  both  of  body  and  mind,  has  everywhere  accompanied 
the  advent  of  the  Gospel.  In  Japan  some  of  the  most  permanent 
and  far-reaching  work  of  the  earlier  days  was  done  through  the  mis- 
sionary physician,  who  not  only  met  the  bodily  need  of  the  individual 
but  also  laid  the  foundations  of  the  public  hospital,  and  of  the  train- 
ing school  for  nurses.  He  entered  as  well  into  many  of  the  most  dis- 
tressing and  important  social  problems  of  the  nation.  But  the  rapid 
development  of  the  Japanese  themselves  in  medical  skill  in  due  time 
made  it  inadvisable  to  continue  a form  of  missionary  work  which  ap- 
peared increasingly  to  be  in  the  nature  of  competition  with  a really 
able  native  Japanese  profession.  Consequently  the  Board  has  not 
commissioned  missionary  physicians  to  Japan  for  many  years. 

Educational  Work  Conspicuous  As  a Method. 

On  the  other  hand,  educational  work  assumed  conspicuous 
prominence  and  its  value  in  missionary  work  has  steadily  increased. 
The  causes  for  this  are  obvious  and  its  growth  as  a missionary  fac- 
tor inevitable.  Commonly  missions  have  been  planted  among  the  less 
developed  races  and  the  first  office  of  the  missionary  has  been  to 
stir  aspiration  and  desire.  But  in  Japan  the  case  was  wholly  differ- 
.ent.  Here  was  a people  which  had  suddenly  burst  from  its  pro- 
vincialism into  a startled  world  consciousness.  The  eager  mind  of 
Japan  besieged  the  Christian  missionary  for  intellectual  help.  The 
rescript  of  the  Japanese  Emperor,  which  only"  a year  before  our  mis- 
sionaries landed  had  laid  the  foundations  of  constitutional  govern- 
ment, declared  that  learning  was  to  be  sought  throughout  the  world. 
A governmental  policy  was  adopted  of  sending  explorers  to  the  ends 
of  the  earth  that  they  might  bring  back  reports  of  the  location  of 
the  greater  centers  of  riches,  both  material  and  mental.  A few 


50 


Deputation  to  Japan 


favored  scholars  were  able  to  find  the  funds  to  go  abroad.  The  num- 
ber of  those  however  who  were  thus  privileged  was  inevitably  small 
and  so  racial  progress  through  this  inadequate  medium  was  slow. 

Under  this  condition  Japan  naturally  turned  to  the  missionaries 
already  at  work  and  extraordinary  pressure  was  laid  upon  them  to 
magnify  the  teaching  function.  They  were  everywhere  beset  with 
the  urgent  inquiries  of  the  young  Japanese  who  found  in  them  their 
great  opportunity  of  education.  There  thus  opened  before  them  a 
marvelous  door  of  privilege  and  the  educational  features  of  our  work 
were  early  developed.  The  service  thus  done  by  Christian  mis- 
sionaries has  not  only  formed  a most  significant  chapter  in  the  in- 
tellectual renaissance  of  Japan  but  has  also  proved  a singularly 
effective  medium  for  the  transmission  of  the  Gospel  me  sage. 

Two  Forms  of  Education. 

Naturally  the  work  of  education  among  the  Christian  forces 
in  Japan  took  two  forms:  schools  early  opened  by  the  missionaries 
themselves;  and  others  started  in  co-operation  with  missionaries 
but  under  Japanese  direction.  The  missionary  schools  included 
classes  of  all  grades,  night  schools  and  day  schools,  and  in  numbers 
extending  from  a few  individuals  to  groups  of  considerable  size. 
While  every  form  of  knowledge  was  the  object  of  inquiry , opportunity 
for  the  study  of  English  was  the  supreme  desire,  as  acquaintance 
with  this  language  seemed  so  generally  to  unlock  the  doors  of  the 
world’s  wisdom.  Very  spoedily,  however,  schools  began  to  arise 
under  the  administration  and  direction  of  native  Christians.  The 
strong  national  consciousness,  together  with  the  sense  of  patriotic 
and  Christian  responsibility,  led  to  the  founding  of  such  institu- 
tions under  the  oversight  of  Japanese  boards.  Sometimes  these 
boards  included  missionaries  or  foreigners  in  their  number,  but  the 
native  element  was  in  the  majority  and  held  the  places  of  responsi- 
bility. This  development  of  institutions  under  the  leadership  of- 
the  Japanese  themselves  was  natually  according  to  the  desire  of  the 
missionary  forces  because  it  indicated  the  rise  of  an  efficient  Jap- 
anese Christianity,  the  end  and  ideal  for  which  the  missionaries 
were  toiling. 

Two  Forces  Contributing. 

To  the  development  of  these  Japanese  Christian  schools  two 
great  forces  contributed.  The  first  of  these  was  the  marvelous 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


51 


work  of  Joseph  Neesima,  who  so  profoundly  laid  his  influence  not 
only  upon  the  rising  church  but  upon  the  whole  life  and  thought  of 
the  Japanese  people.  His  ambition  to  establish  a higher  school  for 
Japanese,  which  found  its  first  notable  expression  in  his  memorable 
and  epoch-making  address  before  the  American  Board  at  its  annual 
meeting  in  1874,  resulted  in  the  establishment  of  Doshisha,  in  the 
ancient  capital  city  of  Kyoto,  on  land  immediately  adjacent  to  the 
old  imperial  palace.  It  is  hardly  possible  to  overstate  the  influence 
of  tnis  undertaking  on  the  educational  and  spiritual  life  of  the 
Japanese  people. 

The  second  influence  which  accentuated  the  development  of 
native  Christian  schools  rose  out  of  the  anti-foreign  tendencies 
of  the  decade  1890-1900.  How  mighty  and  sweeping  this  impulse 
was,  few  foreigners  have  ever  understood.  Indeed  one  cannot 
appreciate  it  until  he  realizes  that  it  was  an  intense  resurgence  of 
the  old  time  national  isolation  policy,  awakened  by  the  difficulties 
and  disappointments  which  Japan  had  experienced  in  the 
internal  perplexities  which  had  befallen  her  since  the  opening  of 
her  ports  to  foreign  commerce.  Suffice  it  to  say  that  this  anti- 
foreign  feeling  made  it  almost  impossible  for  a foreigner  to 
continue  any  authoritative  connection  with  an  enterprise  which 
seemed  so  evidently  to  be  the  instrument  of  foreign  ideas  as  were 
our  missionary  schools. 

While  the  force  of  this  popular  tendency  has  now  passed  and 
large  numbers  of  Japanese  are  in  attendance  upon  schools  admin- 
istered by  foreigners,  it  is  nevertheless  a fact  that  the  question  of  the 
native  or  foreign  administration  of  Christian  schools  bulks  large  and 
is  not  likely  to  be  less  in  the  minds  of  the  Japanese.  Indeed,  one 
has  only  to  reverse  the  case  to  understand  how  human,  if  not  rea- 
sonable, this  attitude  is.  What,  we  may  ask,  would  be  our  own  re- 
action as  Americans  to  educational  institutions  or  systems  If  es- 
tablished and  officered  among  us  by  Japanese.  That  each  nation 
has  a contribution  to  make  to  the  other  is  obvious  and  a few  in- 
stitutions in  either  land  might  well  have  place;  but  ordinarily  we 
should  expect  that  the  Japanese  contribution  could  best  be  made  to 
us  through  institutions  administered  by  our  own  countrymen. 

Missions  and  the  Public  School  System. 

Moreover  to  understand  fully  the  educational  problem  of 
Christian  missions  in  Japan  one  must  keep  in  mind  certain  facts 


52 


Deputation  to  Japan 


which  are  of  great  importance  and  which  are  in  turn  the  explanation 
of  serious  and  vital  questions  demanding  early  and  careful  attention. 
The  Japanese  have  developed  an  elaborate  and  vigorous  public 
school  system.  By  this  system  the  child  is  supposed  to  enter  school 
at  the  age  of  six  years.  So  universal  is  elementary  education  that 
the  literacy  of  the  Japanese  is  close  to  one  hundred  per  cent.  Fol- 
lowing the  elementary  schools  there  is  a division  of  the  sexes.  The 
Chu  Gakko,  or  middle  school,  occupies  the  boy  for  five  years.  This 
is  followed  by  the  Koto  Gakko,  extending  over  three  years.  Then 
in  turn  comes  the  university  or  professional  school,  covering  ap- 
proximately four  years.  The  Chu  Gakko  is  also  supplemented  by 
various  technical  schools  which  are  in  turn  followed  by  higher 
technical  schools,  the  educational  organization  in  general  having  its 
impulse  in  the  German  system  of  education  so  far  as  its  formal 
character  is  concerned.  The  whole  process  of  education  consumes 
more  time  than  does  ours,  serious  delay  being  caused  by  the  neces- 
sity of  instructing  the  boy  in  the  use  of  the  Chinese  characters  for 
the  primary  processes  of  reading  and  writing. 

Unfortunately,  schools  following  the  elementary  years  are 
wholly  insufficient  to  meet  the  urgent  demand  of  the  Japanese  boys 
wishing  for  an  education.  So  inadequate  are  these  resources  that 
admission  to  the  Chu  Gakko  and  higher  schools  is  made  by  a most 
severe  examination  system.  The  intensity  of  the  competition  for 
the  privilege  of  entrance  into  these  schools  can  be  somewhat  appre- 
ciated when  it  is  known  that  in  such  a city  as  Tokyo  hardly  one- 
tenth  of  those  making  application  can  find  admission:  while  over 
the  Empire  as  a whole  not  more  than  sixty  per  cent  of  Japanese 
youth  can  by  any  possibility  have  admission  to  the  Chu  Gakko: 
and  in  the  eight  Koto  Gakko  schools  of  the  empire,  in  the  year  1917, 
out  of  10,802  applicants  only  2182  could  be  received.  Naturally 
the  large  numbers  that  are  left  turn  most  eagerly  to  such  opportuni- 
ties as  can  come  to  them  from  other  all  too  meagre  sources.  This 
struggle  for  educational  opportunity  is  thus  most  pathetic  in  its 
fierce  intensity  and  bitter  disappointment,  straining  as  it  does  the 
physical  and  intellectual  powers  to  the  last  limits  of  their  endurance; 
and  the  eagerness  with  which  such  students  turn  to  the  Christian 
schools  as  to  the  great  remaining  possibility  of  life,  offers  one  of  the 
most  attractive  opportunities  of  missionary  work. 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


53 


Mission  Institutions  at  a Disadvantage. 

It  should  be  pointed  out,  however,  that  this  educational  situa- 
tion in  Japan  tends  strongly  to  hold  the  best  student  to  the  State 
schools  and  to  make  them  a closed  and  exclusive  system.  The 
student  who  proposes  to  enter  these  public  schools  at  any  point  from 
privately  administered  schools  finds  himself  at  certain,  and  usually  at 
great,  disadvantage.  It  is  so  much  easier  for  students  to  move  in 
lock  step  through  the  entire  system  of  public  education  that  it  is 
with  difficulty  that  our  schools  or  their  students  are  reckoned  into 
the  educational  processes  of  the  people.  Christian  schools  are  there- 
fore at  considerable  disadvantage  (save  as  the  State  schools  are 
wholly  inadequate  in  number)  not  only  because  of  this  difficulty  but 
also  because  they  must  find  their  constituency  largely  among  stu- 
dents who,  because  of  somewhat  lesser  ability,  have  not  been  able 
to  secure  admission  into  the  State  system.  For  these  reasons 
many  Christian  educators  in  Japan  have  felt  that  the  Christian 
schools  could  have  no  adequate  opportunity  until  they  were  able  to 
cover  the  entire  range  of  education;  until  with  thoroughness  and 
efficiency  they  could  pass  a student  from  his  earliest  school  days  clear 
through  the  educational  process  to  the  termination  of  his  university 
or  professional  career.  ’ 

Union  Christian  University  for  Men. 

With  this  in  mind,  some  able  missionaries  have  urged  that  the 
Christian  forces  unite  in  founding  a great  university  for  men  in 
Tokyo  which  should  crown  the  educational  process  of  the  boy  and 
render  it  wholly  independent  of  the  State  system.  It  is  contended 
that  such  a university  would  be  a keystone  to  the  whole  Christian 
system  of  education,  rendering  it  more  stable  and  effective;  and 
that  it  would  be  of  immense  consequence  in  furnishing  a necessary 
theistic  background  to  all  the  educational  process.  The  founding 
and  administration  of  such  a university,  obviously,  involves  grave 
problems,  not  the  least  of  which  is  the  question  whether  such  an 
institution  could  really  be  made  attractive  to  the  masses  of  the  abler 
Japanese  who  would  still  have  at  their  door  the  privileges  of  the  im- 
perial school.  However,  the  project  is  one  of  great  importance  and 
should  continue  to  have  careful  and  interested  consideration  in  view 
of  its  relation  to  the  problem  of  Christian  education  in  Japan. 


54 


Deputation  to  Japan 


Opportunity  for  Christian  Education  of  Girls. 

What  has  been  said  above  has  mostly  to  do  with  the  education 
of  boys.  The  public  school  provides  for  the  passage  of  girls,  at  the 
end  of  the  elementary  period  and  approximately  at  the  age  of  twelve 
years,  info  what  is  known  as  the  Koto  Jo  Gakko,  or  Girls’  High 
School.  This  is  somewhat  more  inclusive  than  the  Chu  Gakko  or 
Middle  School  for  boys,  but  ordinarily  leaves  the  girl,  at  the  age  of 
approximately  eighteen,  with  her  education  finished  unless  she 
enters  the  profession  of  teacher — a calling,  by  the  way,  which  is 
more  generally  preempted  by  men  than  in  this  country.  It  will  be 
seen,  therefore,  that  the  opportunity  for  girls  in  the  public  school  is 
much  more  limited  than  for  boys.  It  is  also  true  that  there  is,  less 
hesitation  among  the  Japanese  regarding  the  attendance  of  girls 
upon  schools  of  foreign  administration.  Indeed,  there  is  a rather 
strong  and  general  feeling  that  the  Anglo  Saxon  home  has  a distinct 
contribution  to  make  to  Japanese  womanhood  and  married  life. 
This  situation,  together  with  the  rising  consciousness  of  womanhood 
in  Japan,  has  opened  an  almost  marvelous  opportunity  for  educa- 
tional service.  Other  reasons  also  have  made  it  easier  to  conduct 
schools  for  girls  than  for  boys,  so  that  it  is  a somewhat  singular  fact, 
with  the  exception  of  the  Doshisha,  all  the  organized  educational 
work  both  of  the  Board  and  the  Kumiai  church,  with  the  exception 
of  night  schools,  is  carried  on  in  the  interests  of  girls  and  women  and 
with  the  support  of  our  three  Woman’s  Boards.  In  view  of  this  fact 
we  raise  the  question  whether  we  have  reached  an  altogether  bal- 
anced adjustment  of  our  efforts. 

Co-ordination  of  all  Missionary  Education. 

Under  the  influences  which  have  thus  been  described  it  is  na- 
tural that  there  should  have  been  in  the  missionary  ranks  a general 
and  deep  eagerness  for  the  establishment  of  schools.  This  has  seemed 
to  be  the  point  at  which  we  could  best  meet  the  natural  approach  of 
Japanese  youth  whom  we  have  so  earnestly  desired  to  reach.  The 
various  missions  have  felt  this  need  with  the  result  that  denomina- 
tional schools  have  been  rather  indiscriminately  established.  Prob- 
ably few,  if  any,  have  failed  of  a large  measure  of  usefulness.  Cer- 
tainly it  would  be  hard  to  find  any  one  which  could  be  easily  dis- 
continued. But  everywhere,  as  is  so  commonly  the  case  with  educa- 
tional institutions,  there  is  a tendency  of  schools  to  press  on  into 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


55 


the  higher  regions  of  education  and  still  further  to  complicate  an 
unorganized  and  somewhat  confused  situation.  While  many  schools 
of  low  grade  may  be  established  without  large  expense,  the  condition 
becomes  more  serious  when  these  schools  take  on  the  form  and  de- 
mands of  the  higher  ranges  of  education.  They  must  then  have 
expensive  endowment  and  equipment  or  else  remain  unable  to  gain 
and  hold  the  students:  or  they  will  call  forth  the  criticism  that 
Christian  work  lacks  in  thoroughness  and  idealism. 

Then,  too,  the  establishment  of  schools  has  often  been  without 
definite  and  constructive  prevision  as  to  the  desirable  location, 
city  or  county,  or  as  to  their  relation  to  other  schools.  In  other 
words,  the  institutions  have  sprung  up  where  there  was  local  op- 
portunity and  where  the  forces  happened  to  exist.  The  question 
as  to  whether  certain  schools  should  exist  in  centers  of  population, 
where  they  could  have  large  attendance,  or  whether  they  should 
exist  in  the  quieter  and  more  separate  places  where  influence  can 
be  deeper,  is  one  to  which  it  has  been  impossible  heretofore  to  give 
careful  consideration.  Other  questions  of  serious  consequences 
are  now  gradually  emerging. 

Doshisha. 

Doshisha  University  has  been  a deeply  cherished  undertaking 
both  of  American  and  Japanese  Christians.  While  its  board  of 
trustees  is  entirely  Japanese,  with  the  except'on  of  three  missionaries 
nominated  by  the  Mission,  the  institution  has  always  been  particu- 
larly dear  to  American  hearts.  Large  gifts  have  been  made  to  it  by 
individuals  and  by  churches;  the  American  Board  makes  a con- 
siderable annual  contribution  to  portions  of  its  work;  and  the  success 
and  growth  of  the  institution  has  been  watched  with  unflagging  in- 
terest. It  is  therefore  a particular  pleasure  to  report  the  recent  en- 
couraging growth  of  Doshisha.  The  physical  development  ©f  the 
institution,  taxing  indeed  the  present  location,  is  obvious,  while 
the  increase  in  attendance  has  been  remarkable. 

Indeed  the  growth  of  the  University  creates  its  special  prob- 
lems. The  needs  of  the  enlarged  attendance  of  students  must  be 
supplied  by  a corresponding  increase  of  the  Faculty.  The  institu- 
tion faces  therefore  the  usual  secularizing  tendencies  so  common 
everywhere.  This  means  a special  problem  in  the  matter  of  securing 
teachers  under  peculiarly  difficult  circumstances;  for  these  must  be 


56 


Deputation  to  Japan 


supplied  immediately  as  the  occasion  arises,  and  the  number  of 
trained  Christian  teachers  of  capacity  and  quality  to  fill  these  im- 
portant positions  is  as  yet  inadequate.  It  becomes  therefore  ex- 
ceedingly hard  to  maintain  that  Christian  emphasis  which  was 
characteristic  of  the  earlier  days  and  which  we  should  be  glad  to  see 
permanently  secure.  It  is  the  more  important  that  the  influences 
supplied  by  the  co-operating  missionary  forces  should  be  effectively 
Christian ; and  that  all  the  good  offices  of  the  Board  should  be  used 
in  fellowship  with  the  officers  of  the  institution  to  secure  and  to  main- 
tain those  high  ideals  of  character  which  prompted  the  noble  Chris- 
tian benefactions  in  which  the  University  had  its  origin. 

The  rapid  growth  of  the  Doshisha,  including  both  its  work  for 
men  and  for  women, has  also  accentuated  its  financial  problem.  In  this 
the  institution  is  only  at  the  beginning  of  its  undertaking.  Japanese 
have  given  largely  and  generously.  Doubtless  their  gifts  will  be  in- 
creased, as  their  spirit  and  means  develop.  In  time  they  will  carry 
the  entire  burden.  We  must  keep  in  mind  however  that  the  finan- 
cial resources  of  the  Japanese  Christians  are  as  yet  not  only  meager 
but  also  heavily  drawn  upon  for  all  forms  of  missionary  need. 
The  growth  of  this  really  great  institution,  including  the  women’s 
department,  must  therefore  continue  to  be  one  of  the  important  con- 
cerns of  our  American  Christianity. 

Kobe  College. 

The  administration  of  Kobe  College  is  under  a board  of  managers 
and  a faculty  predominantly  foreign,  though  the  tendency  is 
wisely  to  increase  Japanese  representation.  With  a singular  per- 
vasiveness the  influence  of  the  college  has  extended  throughout 
Japan.  Indeed,  too  much  cannot  be  said  in  praise  of  the  work  of 
the  college  in  days  gone  by  and  of  its  present  place  in  Christian 
effort.  The  school  however  is  inadequately  equipped.  Its  grounds 
cannot  long  be  sufficient  for  the  growing  undertaking.  The  ques- 
tions regarding  its  permanent  location  and  an  adequate  endow- 
ment and  equipment  are  among  the  most  pressing  and  important 
that  are  included  in  the  educational  problem  of  our  Mission. 

Women’s  Bible  School. 

This  institution  prepares  women  workers,  who  are  in  great  de- 
mand, for  a peculiarly  valuable  form  of  missionary  service.  It  is  a 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


57 


highly  important  contribution  to  Christian  effectiveness  though  it 
does  not  deal  with  large  numbers.  The  Deputation  feels  that  lead- 
ers for  the  work  might  perhaps  be  more  easily  secured  if  the  school 
could  be  located  in  such  a center  as  is  proposed  at  Okayama,  where 
other  varied  missidnary  work  exists.  This  must  be  settled,  however, 
by  the  consideration  of  many  interests. 

Glory  Kindergarten. 

Kindergarten  work  in  Japan  has  been  largely  the  projection  of 
the  influence  of  the  Glory  Kindergarten.  This  institution  has  had  a 
remarkable  history  and  recognition.  Through  contact  with  the 
children  the  kindergarten  teacher  has  intimate  influence  with  the 
mothers  and  thus  a singularly  pervasive  and  radiating  power.  This 
entre  to  the  inner  life  of  Japan  together  with  the  chance  to  shape  the 
fundamental  ideas  of  the  child,  must  bulk  large  in  missionary  op- 
portunity. Added  to  this  is  the  fact  that  the  Japanese  woman  is  by 
nature  and  instinct  peculiarly  adapted  to  the  calling  of  the  kinder- 
gartner.  The  work  therefore  is  one  of  hopeful  promise.  The  Glory 
Kindergarten,  however,  has  been  inadequately  housed  and  equipped. 
As  an  important  type  of  education  this  mother  school  should  have 
far  larger  resources  at  its  command  ; for  Japanese  schools  are  as  yet 
hardly  touched  by  the  kindergarten  idea  and  the  school  has  before  it 
a long  and  expanding  future  of  usefulness  as  a source  of  kindergarten 
supply  and  Christian  inspiration. 

Training  of  an  Adequate  Ministry. 

In  all  the  educational  work  of  the  Christian  church  in  Japan, 
nothing  is  more  important  than  the  preparation  of  an  adequate 
ministry.  With  a public  school  system  that  has  strong  claim,  as 
has  been  indicated,  upon  the  ablest  youth  of  Japan  and  with  the 
inevitable  pull  of  prosperity  toward  more  mercenary  callings,  there 
is  sore  need  of  a great  recruiting  of  the  ministerial  calling.  There  is 
need  as  well  for  a more  adequate  training  for  all  Christian  workers 
both  in  intellectual  and  practical  forms  of  efficiency.  The  Japanese 
ministry  early  felt  the  influence  of  German  thought  and  it  has  been 
occupied  with  much  the  same  philosophical  problems  that  have  been 
in  the  minds  of  our  American  ministers.  These  interests  have  doubt- 
less tended  to  delay  the  more  evangelistic  types  of  work.  In  the 
interim,  preaching  has  perhaps  been  ethical  rather  than  spiritual. 


58 


Deputation  to  Japan 


There  is  now  however  a distinct  feeling  that  this  period  of  intellec- 
tual orientation  is  past.  The  ministry  is  devoting  itself  to  the  more 
aggressive  forms  of  Christian  effort.  It  is  then  an  opportune  time 
for  the  Board  to  emphasize  and  increase  any  help  that  can  be  given 
toward  the  development  of  a strong  and  convincing  ministry.  Ap- 
parently this  can  be  best  accomplished  by  institutions  under  Japan- 
ese control,  but  the  efficiency  of  the  work  must  depend  largely  upon 
our  ability  to  contribute  out  of  the  abundance  with  which  our  wealth 
of  privilege  and  experienc?  has  endowed  us. 

This  resume  has  thus  far  dealt  principally  with  institutions  al- 
ready established.  Regarding  the  question  of  new  plans  and  the 
further  initiation  of  educational  projects,  your  Deputation  is  in- 
clined to  be  very  conservative,  at  least  until  there  is  a more  com- 
prehensive policy  regarding  our  relation  to  the  whole  matter  of 
Japanese  education. 

Union  Women’s  College. 

However,  almost  immediately  on  our  arrival  in  Japan  we  were 
met  with  an  urgent  plea  that  the  American  Board  should  participate 
actively  in  the  establishment  of  a Union  Women’s  College  in  Tokyo. 
This  project  had  been  under  consideration  and  development  for 
some  time  and  several  of  the  stronger  denominations  had  already 
actively  and  energetically  committed  themselves  to  its  support.  A 
strong  board  of  trustees,  composed  both  of  Japanese  and  foreigners, 
had  selected  the  distinguished  Japanese  educator.  Dr.  Inazo  Nitobe, 
as  president  of  the  institution,  the  more  intimate  administration  being 
placed  in  the  charge  of  an  able  Japanese  woman.  Miss  Tetsu  Yasui,  a 
member  of  one  of  our  Kumiai  churches.  Our  communion  is  indeed 
generously  represented  in  the  whole  personnel  of  the  new  institu- 
tion. The  opening  exercises  of  the  Women’s  College  were  held  dur- 
ing our  stay  in  Japan.  Its  auspicious  outlook  is  indicated  by  the 
fact  that  some  eighty  young  women  of  highly  promising  scholastic 
character  at  once  enrolled  in  the  institution.  It  is  therefore  an  edu- 
cational opportunity  with  which  it  will  be  a privilege  to  be  associated. 
It  has,  however,  been  pointed  out  that  as  a communion  we  have  al- 
ready an  extensive  program  of  our  own  for  the  higher  education  of 
women  in  Japan.  It  would  seem  as  if  perhaps  we  were  doing  our 
share,  considering  especially  the  fact  that  we  are  so  deeply  .involved 
in  the  work  of  Kobe  College  and  of  the  women’s  department  of  the 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


59 


Doshisha.  On  the  other  hand,  it  has  been  characteristic  of  Congre- 
gationalism to  join  heartily  in  union  undertakings  and  it  is  not  ac- 
cording to  our  nature  to  miss  participation  in  a union  educational 
enterprise  which  seems  to  be  so  heartily  supported  by  other  denom- 
inations and  is  so  evidently  important.  Your  Deputation,  under  the 
circumstances,  feels  that  we  ought  to  be  represented  in  some  degree 
in  the  support  of  the  institution. 

Middle  Schools  for  Boys. 

It  should  perhaps  be  recorded  that  there  is  in  Japan  an  interde- 
nominational organization  which  seeks  to  include  the  leaders  of 
higher  Christian  education  and  that  this  body  is  giving  some  mea- 
sure of  united  consideration  to  the  interest  of  educational  institutions 
of  Christian  character.  At  the  recent  meeting  of  this  committee 
on  Christian  education  the  report  was  made  that  middle  schools  for 
boys  were  at  present  needed  and  likely  to  be  of  permanent  value  at 
Okayama  in  Southern  Japan,  and  at  some  point  in  the  Hokkaido. 
It  was  further  advised  that  the  middle  school  in  the  Hokkaido  should 
ultimately  be  allowed  to  develop  into  a higher  school  of  Koto  Gakko. 
Your  Deputation  has  in  mind  this  advice  in  its  previous  suggestion 
of  development  of  the  work,  under  proper  auspices,  at  Okayama  as  a 
central  point  of  influence  and  in  the  Hokkaido  as  one  of  the  regions 
in  which  there  is  a specially  evident  opening  for  usefulness. 

These  Questions  Need  Special  Study. 

How  far  shall  our  Christian  system  be  apart  from  the  State  sys- 
tem and  how  far  shall  we  seek  to  gather  Christian  influences  around 
the  public  schools  and  state  universities?  How  far  can  there  be 
thrift  in  placing  a few  schools  in  important  centers?  How  far  shall 
our  schools  be  co-ordinated  with  those  of  other  denominations? 
How  far  should  we  seek  gradually  to  pass  over  all  our  educational 
interests  into  the  hands  of  native  Christians?  These  are  a few  of  the 
questions  which  seem  to  your  Deputation  to  demand  consideration. 
We  feel  that  the  time  has  come  in  Japan  when  there  should  be  a 
thorough  consideration  of  our  situation  in  education  as  related  to 
other  educational  interests ; and  also  a careful  and  discriminating  effort 
to  forecast  what  ought  to  be  the  character,  location  and  range  of  those 
educational  interests  into  which  we  are  to  put  our  largest  resources 
and  from  which  we  are  to  expect  those  ages  of  influence  which  have 


60 


Deputation  to  Japan 


characterized  such  major  enterprises  of  education  both  in  England 
and  in  America.  Such  a study  must  take  far  more  time  and  knowl- 
edge than  has  been  within  our  power  to  give,  but  to  your  Deputation 
it  seems  a matter  for  deliberate  investigation  and  for  careful,  dis- 
criminating and  constructive  thought. 

Conclusion. 

In  conclusion  we  recur  to  the  general  principle  that  the  admin- 
istration of  Christian  work  in  Japan,  in  education  as  in  its  other 
phases,  should  be  increasingly  in  the  hands  of  the  Japanese.  This 
does  not  mean  that  all  our  educational  enterprises  should  at  once  be 
transferred  to  them.  Perhaps,  indeed,  some  of  them  should  never 
be  so  transferred.  There  is  doubtless  a steadiness  in  the  mainte- 
nance of  ideals  in  the  schools  under  foreign  control  which  as  yet  cannot 
be  uniformly  expected  from  a people  who  have  so  recently  entered 
into  the  practice  of  democratic  forms  of  government.  Nevertheless, 
your  Deputation  doubts  the  wisdom  of  entering  into  any  new  educa- 
tional enterprises,  save  under  most  unusual  circumstances,  which 
are  not  primarily  the  project  and  concern  of  the  Japanese  themselves. 
Where  such  projects  are  strongly  initiated  by  wise  native  leadership 
it  should  be  our  part  to  co-operate  generously  under  such  forms 
and  conditions  as  will  stimulate  its  natual  sponsors.  Only  thus  will 
the  largest  educational  capacities  of  our  Christian  forces  be  realized, 
while  through  such  an  administration  and  experience  of  responsibil- 
ity we  may  well  hope  for  the  development  of  a communion  in  Japan 
which  shall  wield  dominating  influence  by  its  enlistment  of  the 
singular  intellectual  capacities  of  the  race  in  the  service  of  its  re- 
ligious and  spiritual  ideals. 

F.  THE  SOCIAL  WORK 
Japan’s  Social  Reorganization  Needs  Christ. 

On  every  hand  it  has  been  obvious  that  the  influences  going  into 
Japan  in  the  last  fifty  years  must  involve  social  re-organization. 
In  these  few  decades  a people  which  was  distinctly  feudal  in  its 
character  has  assumed  its  place  in  the  modern  family  of  nations  and 
has  sought  to  readjust  all  its  life  to  the  new  relations  involved  in  inter- 
national commerce  and  society.  The  very  basis  of  the  body  politic 
has  thus  been  sweepingly  transformed  and  all  the  attitudes  and  cus- 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


61 


toms  of  life  have  been  inevitably  involved.  It  is  therefore  a most 
vital  question  whether  all  this  reorganization  of  Japan  shall,  in  this 
hour  of  destiny , be  dominated  by  the  unrestrained  spirit  of  commercial 
selfishness  or  by  the  beneficient  laws  of  a Christian  society.  Mis- 
sionary service  is  not  completed  with  the  mere  announcement  of  the 
gospel.  It  involves  the  transmission  of  the  substance  of  our  in- 
heritance of  experience  regarding  the  structure  and  fellowship  of 
a Christian  communion.  It  surely  must  also  include  some  con- 
tribution of  companionship  in  the  application  of  Christian  teach- 
ing to  those  most  serious  questions  which  are  arising  in  Japan  in 
these  portentous  hours  of  social  reformation.  He  who  can  look 
upon  the  vast  upturning  of  this  soil  of  ancient  habit  and  be  uncon- 
cerned about  fellowship  with  the  church  of  Japan  in  its  pioneering 
for  a Christian  social  order  can  have  indeed  little  of  the  heart  of 
Jesus,  so  solemn  and  urgent  are  the  conditions. 

Japan’s  Poverty  Presents  Serious  Problem. 

Japan  is  poor.  How  poor  it  is  only  those  who  have  visited  the 
country  can  comprehend.  Up  to  the  time  of  the  war  only  a very 
few  families  in  the  whole  population  had  a family  income  of  $500  a 
year  and  the  overwhelming  majority  had  less  than  $250.  Clothing, 
food,  and  housing  are  correspondingly  inadequate.  The  whole 
population,  men,  women  and  children,  labors  incessantly  and  for  a 
mere  pittance.  Various  forms  of  disease,  especially  tuberculosis, 
create  an  appalling  death  rate.  This  condition  of  the  great  mass  of 
the  Japanese  has  been  made  more  serious  as  a result  of  the  war,  even 
though  wages  have  been  somewhat  raised. 

Japan  has  been  eager  to  become  a manufacturing  nation  and 
the  international  conditions  evoked  by  the  present  European  situa- 
tion have  opened  a remarkable  opportunity  to  the  few  to  realize  this 
ambition.  All  forms  of  manufacture  have  increased  at  an  astonishing 
pace  in  the  great  cities.  The  factories  have  been  largely  the  pos- 
session of  a small  company  of  fortunate  investors  or  speculators 
and  have  been  immensely  profitable.  These  newly  rich  are  con- 
spicuously in  evidence  in  the  great  centers  of  Japan  and  the  morals 
of  those  who  have  thus  suddenly  acquired  munificence  is  one  of  the 
most  serious  problems  which  the  country  faces. 

On  the  other  hand  the  growth  of  these  manufacturing  indus- 
tries has  largely  been  accomplished  by  prostituting  the  labor  of  men. 


62 


Deputation  to  Japan 


women  and  children.  The  pay  of  all  workmen  is  pitifully  small, 
while  that  of  women  and  children  is  shockingly  inadequate,  although 
they  are  often  compelled  to  work  twelve  to  fourteen  hours  a day. 
Even  the  holidays  are  few,  a rest  day  once  in  two  weeks  being  com- 
monly the  maximum  opportunity  of  change.  The  result  is  that  the 
death  rate  among  laborers  is  exceedingly  high.  A woman  worker 
endures  the  strain  only  a few  months,  or  years  at  most,  and  the  re- 
sult of  the  sad  situation  is  that  new  sources  of  supply  for  female 
labor  are  constantly  being  sought,  young  women  from  the  outlying 
parts  of  Japan  and  from  Korea  being  brought  in  in  large  numbers  to 
fill  the  gaps  which  these  fatal  conditions  create. 

Congestion  of  Population. 

Some  impression  of  the  seriousness  of  the  situation  can  be  ob- 
tained from  various  statistics.  Historically  the  Japanese  have  been 
pre-eminently  a rural  people.  But  between  1880  and  the  present 
time  the  situation  was  radically  changed  by  the  growth  of  the  great 
cities.  Tokyo  increased  from  857,780  to  over  3,000,000;  Osaka  from 

500.000  to  nearly  2,000,000;  while  Nagoya,  200,000  in  1880,  Yoko- 
hama, 100,000,  and  Kobe,  100,000,  have  become  cities  approximating 
a half  million  each.  What  this  sudden  masking  of  population  has 
meant  in  the  radical  change  of  social  order  and  practice  can  only 
dimly  be  conceived. 

Factory  Facts. 

This  new  congestion  of  population  has  been  accompanied  and 
indeed  largely  caused  by  the  introduction  of  the  factory  system.  In 
1883  there  were  125  modern  factories  in  Japan;  in  1917  there  were 
over  25,000,  the  factories  in  Tokyo  alone  numbering  over  17,000, 
though  a large  proportion  of  these  are  limited  in  extent.  More  than 

400.000  country  workers  annually  enter  these  great  manufacturing 
cities.  Unbefriended  in  any  efficient  sense  they  pour  into  the 
surging  stream  of  labor  over  which  capital  and  greed  hold  sway. 
The  inbred  attitudes  of  subserviency  which  centuries  of  feudalism 
have  ingrained  render  this  mass  specially  docile  to  the  new  tyranny, 
while  vice,  drinking  and  disease  do  their  worst. 

Four  years  ago  the  Japanese  Chronicle  was  authority  for  the 
statement  that  female  workers  in  Japanese  factories  numbered 
500,000,  of  whom  300,000  were  under  twenty  years  of  age.  Out  of 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


63 


this  army,  400,000  were  engaged  in  the  spinning,  weaving  and  dyeing 
industries.  Seventy  per  cent  of  these  women  lived  in  factory 
quarters,  which  meant  a sort  of  confinement.  Work  in  the  raw  silk 
factories  lasted  from  thirteen  to  fourteen  hours  a day  on  the  average, 
and  that  in  weaving  mills,  fourteen  to  sixteen  hours.  Few  could 
stand  the  strain  for  more  than  one  year,  when  death,  sickness,  or 
desertion  was  the  outcome.  Thus  eighty  per  cent  left  the  mills 
every  year  through  various  causes,  their  places  being  immediately 
taken  by  new  hands.  The  women  in  the  day  and  night  shifts  were 
obliged  to  share  the  same  bed,  which  was  neither  aired  nor  dusted, 
and  never  exposed  to  the  sun,  since  as  soon  as  one  left  it  another 
took  her  place;  consequently  consumption  and  other  epidemics 
were  taking  a terrible  toll  of  the  workers.  The  number  of  women 
recruited  as  factory  workers  each  year  reached  200,00  but  of  these 

120.000  failed  to  return  to  the  parental  roof.  Either  they  became 
birds  of  passage,  moving  from  one  factory  to  another,  or  went  as 
maids  in  dubious  tea  houses  or  as  illicit  prostitutes.  Among  the 

80.000  who  returned  home,  13,000  were  found  to  be  sick,  25  per  cent 
had  contracted  consumption.  The  conditions  to-day  are  but  little 
better. 

Attitude  of  Government. 

In  this  universal  social  revolution  of  Japan  the  attitude  of  the 
government  is  most  interesting.  It  is  indeed  concerned,  but  must 
obviously  wait  for  the  working  of  moral  and  spiritual  forces  in  the 
nation.  In  the  meantime  it  has  felt  it  necessary  to  take  a strong 
attitude  against  any  effective  organization  of  labor.  While  certain 
unions  of  a kind  are  in  existence,  the  government  nevertheless 
stands  ready  forcibly  to  oppose  the  organized  efforts  which  could 
materially  influence  the  situation.  All  economic  literature  is  care- 
fully censored  and  the  situation  is  made  still  more  serious  by  the  fact 
that  the  masses  of  the  people  have  no  recourse  to  the  suffrage,  only 
approximately  eight  houses  in  one  hundred  being  represented  by  the 
vote.  Notwithstanding  all  this  there  is  less  general  unrest  among 
the  masses  than  would  be  expected.  The  long  centuries  of  feudal 
society  and  the  reverence  in  which  the  imperial  house  is  held  operate 
distinctly  to  stabilize  these  conditions  and  to  create  an  attitude  of 
quiet  endurance. 

The  government  enacted  helpful  factory  legislation  but  it  was 
not  supported  by  public  opinion,  and  monied  interests  secured  the 


64 


Deputation  to  Japan 


enactment  of  two  sweeping  exceptions.  By  the  first  the  competent 
official  is  given  power  to  exempt  factories  from  the  operation  of  the 
law  even  to  the  suspension  of  all  holidays.  By  the  second  the  actual 
enforcement  of  any  of  the  provisions  may  on  special  application  be 
suspended  for  periods  ranging  from  five  to  fifteen  years.  Moreover 
this  factory  legislation  applies  only  to  factories  employing  fifteen  or 
more  hands,  the  result  of  which  is  said  to  have  been  the  scattering  of 
larger  groups  into  companies  of  less  than  fifteen  to  escape  the  law. 

Call  for  Missionary  Assistance. 

It  would  not  be  right  to  fail  to  state  that  the  situation  is  in 
some  respects  improving.  Certainly  model  factories  and  more 
salubrious  conditions  are  appearing.  Nevertheless  when  one  faces 
the  whole  problem  of  the  nation’s  emergence  out  of  old  conditions 
and  all  the  adaptation  which  must  be  involved  in  the  reorganization 
of  life  before  Japan  can  be  a Christian  power  among  the  nations  of 
the  world,  it  is  evident  that  we  have  here  a missionary  service 
which  must  lay  hold  upon  our  best  thought  and  resource.  It  is  not 
strange  therefore  that  many  missionaries  in  Japan  have  felt  a strong 
impulse  to  social  work.  The  younger  missionaries,  distinctly  eager 
for  it,  have  been  urging  the  establishment  of  social  settlements  and 
the  various  forms  of  work  which  naturally  gather  around  these  centers. 
The  social  work  done  in  America,  amid  the  inspiration  of  which 
so  many  of  our  young  people  have  found  their  own  warm  altruistic 
awakening,  has  stirred  them  with  the  hope  of  sharing  in  the  develop- 
ment of  this  form  of  ministry  in  Japan.  Their  very  strong  arguments 
are  presented  to  the  end  that  our  missionary  societies  undertake  work 
of  this  character.  Something,  indeed,  has  already  been  accomplished, 
though  in  a rudimentary  way : the  work  done  at  Okayama  in  the 
Hanabatake  settlement,  for  instance.  Although  meagerly  and  in- 
adequately equipped,  this  settlement  among  the  desperately  poor 
is  one  of  the  most  notable  experiments  of  this  sort  in  all  Japan.  The 
success  of  this  small  undertaking  is  an  argument  in  itself  for  the 
pushing  of  this  form  of  Christian  activity. 

Social  Service  Will  Appeal  to  Japanese. 

Such  social  work  as  is  thus  proposed  would  doubtless  find  a very 
large  response  among  the  Japanese.  As  has  already  been  pointed 
out,  Christianity  has  not  yet  secured  any  large  formal  or  ecclesias- 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


65 


tical  acceptance  among  the  Japanese.  It  has,  however,  distinctly 
operated  to  develop  a humanized  sentiment.  In  fact,  the  general 
answer  given  to  the  appeal  of  beneficence  in  Japan  is  one  of  the 
surest  testimonies  to  the  fact  that  the  real  essence  of  Christianity 
has  been  implapted  far  beyond  the  outward  indications  of  sect  or 
communion.  Could  Christianity  be  represented  characteristically 
to  the  Japanese  by  this  altruistic  attitude  it  would  undoubtedly  lay 
hold  upon  a much  large  r proportion  of  the  population  than  is  now 
reached  by  its  philosophical  and  theological  presentation. 

Japanese  Must  Carry  the  Responsiblity. 

At  the  same  time,  there  is  extreme  difficulty  involved  in  the 
conducting  of  such  work  by  foreigners.  Even  in  our  own  country 
the  social  settlement  has  involved  political  complications  of  the  most 
delicate  and  intricate  character.  Sooner  or  later  the  social  settle- 
ment has  found  itself  enmeshed  in  local,  city,  and  national  politics 
of  the  most  perplexing  nature.  It  will  therefore  appear  at  once  how 
difficult  it  is  for  a missionary  to  conduct  such  work  in  a foreign 
country  where  the  forces  of  paternalism,  not  to  say  imperialism,  have 
been  entrenched  by  so  many  ages  of  custom.  In  no  very  long  time 
the  social  ideals  would  surely  involve  the  missionary  movement  in 
the  most  delicate  problems.  For  this  as  well  as  for  other  reasons 
the  administration  of  social  settlements  and  social  work  should  be 
in  the  hands  of  the  Japanese  themselves,  whose  attitudes  would  not 
involve  international  complexities  and  reactions. 

Furthermore,  the  expense  of  social  work  must  be  seriously 
considered.  A single  social  settlement  almost  inevitably  involves 
a program  of  large  expenditure.  To  do  adequate  and  conspicuous 
work  in  a city  like  Tokyo  or  Osaka,  the  undertaking  must  necessarily 
include  many  phases  of  work  together  with  a large  corps  of  helpers; 
and  even  if  begun  in  the  most  inexpensive  fashion, the  pressure  of  need 
for  enlargement  becomes  almost  absolutely  irresistible.  Added  to 
this,  however,  is  the  fact  that  a single  settlement  will  be  wholly  in- 
adequate. In  this  country  we  have  found  that  several  in  a single 
city  find  ample  room  and  scope.  In  cities  like  Osaka  and  Tokyo  the 
same  would  obviously  be  true  and  the  expense  of  one  settlement 
would  be  many  times  multiplied  by  the  need  for  others.  Such  a 
budget  would  almost  inevitably  entail  a larger  expense  than  our 
missionary  work  could  legitimately  face. 


66 


Deputation  to  Japan 


Yet  Missionaries  Should  Help. 

It  is  uniformly  agreed  that  the  Japanese  themselves  should  be 
urged  to  undertake  this  form  of  work.  There  are  many  of  conse- 
cration and  tact  who  might  well  make  this  a life  occupation.  At 
present,  however,  they  can  have  little  idea  of  the  methods  of  such 
work.  Indeed,  few  have  anything  like  the  proper  training,  while 
the  great  mass,  even  of  Japanese  Christians,  have  little  idea  of  the 
character  or  range  of  the  modern  program  of  social  service.  Under 
these  circumstances  they  must  be  inspired  to  the  work  and  led  in 
the  way  by  missionary  advice  and  co-operation.  Your  Deputation 
believes  that  a popular  movement  could  well  be  undertaken  by  some 
of  our  missionaries  looking  toward  the  creation  of  such  conceptions 
of  service  by  the  Japanese  themselves.  We  believe  that  a propa- 
ganda of  public  intelligence  as  to  what  is  being  done  for  the 
care  and  cure  of  poverty,  disease  and  social  disorder  in  Christian 
countries  would  have  a large  popular  response  in  Japan  and  that  it 
would  be  perhaps  the  most  winning  presentation  of  Christianity 
that  can  be  offered.  The  fruits  of  Christianity  might  have  large 
apologetic  power  where  the  more  theological  appeal  has  not  con- 
spicuously succeeded.  We  are  greatly  interested,  therefore,  to  for- 
ward any  such  plans  as  our  missionaries  may  deem  practicable. 
We  believe,  furthermore,  that  the  Board  might  well  give  the  ser- 
vices of  certain  missionaries  to  such  social  organizations  as  may  be  in 
due  time  administered  by  the  J apanese  themselves.  This  judgment, 
however,  must  not  be  construed  as  opposed  to  such  settlements  as 
Hanabatake  in  Okayama.  (Indeed,  the  location  and  standing  of 
this  settlement  in  that  city  is  one  of  the  reasons  why  your  Deputa- 
tion feels  that  this  city  should  be  chosen  as  our  demonstration  center.) 
We  question,  however,  the  wisdom  of  the  general  initiation  of  such 
work  or  its  extensive  amplification  as  any  considerable  portion  of 
our  missionary  undertaking. 

It  was  the  good  fortune  of  your  Deputation  through  Dr.  Berry 
to  have  a share  in  emphasizing  the  importance  of  social  work  while  in 
Japan.  Among  the  political  leaders  and  also  among  charitable  or- 
ganizations, Dr.  Berry’s  approach  was  heartily  welcomed.  His 
words  were  received  with  more  than  passing  enthusiasm  as  he  pressed 
the  plea  that  a sum  of  at  least  two  million  yen  should  be  raised  by  the 
Japanese  for  the  inauguration  of  social  work  on  a large  scale  in 
the  Empire.  Indeed  his  message  met  with  remarkable  response. 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


67 


Especially  in  Osaka  did  the  project  take  hopeful  form.  It  seems 
likely  that  results  of  large  consequence  will  flow  from  these  endea- 
vors. On  all  these  occasions  Dr.  Berry  was  careful  to  emphasize 
the  fact  that  these  social  undertakings  were  the  characteristic  pro- 
duct of  Christianity  and  were  in  themselves  a testimony  to  its 
genuineness  and  power. 

Unlimited  Opportunity  in  Temperance. 

Recognizing  the  limitations  in  missionary  social  service  in  J apan, 
it  may  yet  be  pointed  out  that  there  are  certain  forms  of  work  of 
fundamental  social  importance  which  can  well  be  carried  on  by  our 
missionaries  without  raising  political  complications.  Among  these 
your  Deputation  would  urge  the  emphasis  upon  temperance.  It 
may  well  be  that  we  should  be  represented  by  some  one  person  who 
by  giving  particular  attention  and  fellowship  to  all  those  influences 
which  are  seeking  to  oppose  the  traffic  in  intoxicating  drink  should 
express  the  attitude  of  our  American  Christianity  upon  the  matter. 
Indeed  the  seriousness  of  the  situation  in  regard  to  intoxicating 
liquors  can  hardly  be  overstated,  the  use  of  sake  being  a veritable 
threat  to  the  future  of  Japan. 

The  Sabbath. 

The  situation  in  regard  to  the  Sabbath  is  also  most  unfortunate. 
While  government  houses  and  the  schools  are  closed  on  Sunday,  the 
general  labor  of  the  people  continues  with  little  interruption.  Not 
only  are  the  working  classes  thus  deprived  of  that  great  blessing 
which  has  come  to  us  in  the  rest  of  the  Anglo  Saxon  Sabbath  but  it 
has  already  been  pointed  out  how  the  situation  undercuts  the  possi- 
bilities of  the  Christian  Church.  Doubtless  the  Japanese  Sabbath 
will  never  be  exactly  like  our  own,  and  yet  it  cannot  be  doubted  that 
a movement  to  create  a Sabbath  for  physical  and  spiritual  recupera- 
tion would  be  ultimately  successful  and  would  be  one  of  the  largest 
contributions  to  the  welfare  of  the  Japanese  people  that  can  possibly 
be  imagined. 

The  Home. 

The  development  of  the  home  in  Japan  is  also  a social  under- 
taking which  might  well  have  the  specialized  thought  and  attention 


68 


Deputation  to  Japan 


of  certain  missionaries.  The  word  “home”  has  itself  been  adopted 
into  the  Japanese  language  as  representing  an  ideal  of  family  life 
which  had  not  previously  existed.  The  establishment  of  such 
homes  among  the  Japanese  involves  both  social  and  architectural 
problems.  The  proper  care  and  training  of  children  is  a subject  in 
which  the  mothers  of  Japan  are  deeply  interested.  Many  times 
particular  gratitude  is  expressed  in  communities  where  missionary 
children  are  growing  up.  The  community  has  thus  a practical  illus- 
tration of  the  way  in  which  home  life  in  its  completeness  is  developed 
in  Christian  America.  The  architectural  problem  is  also  most  in- 
teresting. Undoubtedly  the  Japanese  will  permanently  retain  cer- 
tain phases  of  their  architecture.  Into  this  splendidly  simple  en- 
vironment the  most  worthy  elements  of  our  American  house  must 
somewhere  be  fitted.  The  Omi  Mission  (independent),  which 
specializing  to  a considerable  degree  in  architecture  has  devoted 
much  thought  to  the  study  of  the  production  of  such  a house  as 
shall  be  adequately  the  home  of  a Japanese,  would  seem  to  offer  a 
peculiarly  specialized  form  of  work  for  a tactful  and  ingenious  Chris- 
tian missionary. 

All  Mission  Work  of  Social  Consequence. 

As  has  been  urged  all  these  lines  of  social  work  are  inevitably  in- 
volved in  the  ministry  of  Christianity  to  humanity.  There  is  no 
point  at  which  the  follower  of  Jesus  can  stay  his  hand  or  his  interest 
until  he  has  seen  the  native  forces  equipped  with  all  the  inheritance 
of  Christian  experience  for  the  establishment  among  themselves  of 
the  society  of  the  Elder  Brother.  It  is  not  indeed  because  Chris- 
tianity has  ceased  to  be  a message  to  the  individual  but  because  the 
Christian  spirit  cannot  be  satisfied  until  it  has  contributed,  itself, 
to  a better  social  order.  Hence  we  shall  inevitably  find  ourselves 
enlisted  in  all  projects  which  are  involved  in  the  development  of 
Christian  society.  ^ 

The  Mission  a Social  Service  Group  in  Itself. 

Nevertheless  it  should  not  be  forgotten  that  evangelistic  work 
itself  is  fundamentally  and  essentially  social  in  its  nature  and  its 
outcome.  Historically  the  great  social  impulses  have  found  their 
origin  in  the  Gospel  message.  We  are  surely  doing  fundamental 
social  work  in  the  announcement  of  the  teachings  of  Jesus,  for  these 


Discussion  of  Main  Questions  Investigated 


69 


have  always  borne  fruit  in  the  altruistic  life  and  in  a reorganized, 
enlightened  and  beneficent  social  order.  It  should  never  be  over- 
looked that  every  true  missionary  is,  therefore,  a social  worker  and 
that  from  the  spiritual  springs  of  the  spirit  which  he  uncovers  the 
desert  of  a nation’s  social  life  shall  in  due  time  blossom  as  the  rose. 


IV.  The  Call  of  Japan 


The  question  of  the  relative  urgency  of  missionary  work  in 
Japan  as  over  against  the  claims  of  other  lands  in  a world  of  such 
universal  need  and  opportunity  is  indeed  a valid  one;  and  this  major 
problem  evidently  lay  in  the  background  of  all  minds  when  this 
Deputation  was  appointed  to  investigate  the  missionary  situation  in 
Japan.  Many  facts  bearing  on  the  decision  of  this  question  have 
already  been  stated.  They  may  now  be  briefly  reviewed  and  sum- 
marized for  a definite  conclusion. 

The  seed  of  the  gospel  has  been  surely  planted  in  the  soil  of 
Japan.  Of  this  there  can  be  no  question.  Moreover,  the  Christian 
influences  have  extensively  permeated  the  thinking  and  the  atti- 
tudes of  the  Japanese  people.  Even  the  axioms  of  the  old  life  have 
been  widely  and  profoundly  transformed.  On  the  other  hand,  be- 
cause ecclesiastical  institutions  and  the  religious  organizations 
characteristic  of  Christianity  have  as  yet  laid  little  hold  upon  the 
imagination  of  the  race  there  must  be  much  doubt  regarding  the 
exact  forms  in  which  the  new  life  of  Japan  will  express  and  per- 
petuate itself.  Christian  institutions  exactly  like  our  own  may  never 
appear,  but  to  any  thoughtful  insight  the  precise  characteristics  of 
the  organization  do  not  give  concern  provided  there  is,  in  some  form, 
a really  large  and  efficient  agency  of  progress.  The  more  serious 
fact  is,  however,  that  no  such  adequate  Christian  force  has  yet  any- 
where developed.  Organized  Christianity  is  as  yet  a comparatively 
small  body.  Moreover,  it  is  seeking  to  do  its  work  at  a time  when 
Japan  is  in  a ferment  of  vast  change  induced  by  contact  with  all 
the  innumerable  influences  of  the  whole  world.  In  this  confusion 
of  inflooding  forces  of  every  sort  all  the  basic  attitudes  of  life  are  in 
transition  and  with  these  go,  as  of  course,  the  reformation  of  the  pro- 
cedure of  life,  individual  and  social,  physical,  intellectual  and 
religious.  The  nation  is  in  the  crucible  and  for  the  efficient  re-fusing 
of  Japanese  life  the  saving  element  is  yet  meagre. 

The  question  is  therefore  one  of  the  comprehensiveness  of  our 
conception  of  our  mission.  How  inclusive  is  to  be  the  vision  of  our 
undertaking;  for  how  extensive  a task  are  our  resources  sufficient? 
If  the  announcement  of  the  gospel  is  all  with  which  we  are  concerned, 
then  our  work  is  in  some  sense  already  accomplished.  If  beyond 


The  Call  of  Japan 


71 


this  we  seek  the  organization  of  a church  that  shall  permanently  se- 
cure what  has  been  achieved  and,  given  sufficient  time,  will  project 
its  life  into  the  Japanese  race,  it  may  be  said  that  we  have  laid  the 
foundations  of  an  organization  which  will  ultimately  accomplish 
such  a ministry.  This  will,  however,  involve  much  time  and  the  loss 
of  immediate  opportunities.  If  still  further,  however,  we  have  it  in 
our  capacity  to  be  obedient  to  the  vision  of  the  early  establishment  of 
the  nation  among  the  aggressive  powers  of  world  influence  for 
righteousness,  we  have  yet  before  us  a greattaskof  brotherhood;  for 
those  efficiencies  which  inhere  in  a society  whose  forms  have  been 
shaped  by  the  spirit  of  the  gospel  have  yet  to  be  evoked  in  Japan. 
As  has  been  suggested  it  is  doubtless  true  that  all  these  results  might 
in  due  time  develop  from  the  beginnings  which  have  already  been 
made.  But  how  futile  and  wasteful  would  be  such  a policy  of  un- 
concern. In  coming  days  of  universal  opportunity  when  the  voice 
of  Japan  should  be  abundantly  effective  she  would  remain  in  a sense 
unconscious  of  the  influence  which  she  could  exert. 

For  Japan  is  a mighty  potential  force  in  the  world.  When 
every  qualification  has  been  stated,  she  is  to-day  the  outstanding 
native  power  in  Asia.  She  is  the  one  determined  and  intelligently 
constructive  force  in  all  the  lands  that  border  the  western  Pacific. 
Her  shadow  is  indeed  over  all  Asia.  Whatever  may  be  hoped  from 
China  (and  no  man  can  begin  to  measure  the  future  of  her  destiny), 
she  is  today  in  apparently  helpless  provincial  division.  Her  govern- 
ment is  said  to  be  one  of  unlimited  graft  and  selfishness.  Instead  of 
organizing  she  seems  to  be  disintegrating, though  it  cannot  be  doubted 
that  the  time  of  her  re-fusing  will  ultimately  appear.  Those  most 
optimistic,  however,  are  almost  in  despair  over  her  present  emergency. 
In  all  this  chaos  of  disintegration  and  disorganization,  Japan 
appears  as  the  one  progressive  factor.  The  lines  of  her  policy 
are  clear  and  far-reaohing.  Her  prevision  is  astute;  her  will  de- 
termined. She  will  be  the  shaping  power  of  the  East  and  the  ques- 
tion which  remains  is  simply  this:  shall  that  power  be  Christian  or 
pagan,  theistic  or  agnostic,  egoistic  or  altruistic,  autocratic  or  popu- 
lar. It  is  not  conceivable  that  civilization  anywhere  in  the  world 
can  placidly  accept  this  uncertainty  as  a matter  of  insignificant 
concern. 

But  even  this  is  a mere  fragment  of  the  story.  Eastern  Asia  is 
the  unexplored  El  Dorado  of  potential  trade  for  all  the  nations  of  the 
world.  There  are  not  a few  who  believe  that  the  real  cause  of 


72 


Deputation  to  Japan 


the  present  European  war  is  to  be  found  in  the  exhaustless  prizes 
of  commerce  which  are  offered  in  the  western  Pacific  littoral.  Indeed 
in  some  large  sense  this  must  be  true,  for  back  of  all  strivings  of  a 
thousand  years  has  been  the  desire  to  reach  the  coveted  riches  which 
were  concealed  beyond  these  mysterious  curtains.  In  any  case,  the 
opportunity  to  appropriate  the  mineral  and  agricultural  riches  of 
China  and  vicinity  and  the  trade  of  unnumbered  millions  will  be  the 
irresistible  magnet  which  shall  draw  all  the  great  races  of  the  world 
into  competition  such  as  the  world  has  never  seen  before.  Here 
there  is  certain  to  come  the  gathering  ambition  of  the  world’s  dominat- 
ing nations.  Here  will  be  another  melting  pot  of  international 
eagerness  and  struggle.  To  exaggerate  is  not  necessary ; but  there 
are  many  who,  knowing  the  East,  look  out  upon  the  coming  impact 
of  the  races  in  Eastern  Asia  with  most  solemn  concern.  And  in  all 
this  Japan,  as  a nation,  will  be  the  sponsor.  Her  faith  and  her  ideals 
will  be  influential  beyond  bur  power  to  anticipate.  With  what 
faith  and  what  ideals  shall  she  exercise  her  efficient  sway  in  this  hour, 
when  lifted  so  suddenly  out  of  the  isolation  of  the  past  she  becomes 
the  arbiter  of  such  world  destinies? 

Nor  have  we  time  to  lose.  Wherever  we  can  most  quickly 
reach  the  East  with  Christian  influence  there  lies  urgent  obligation. 
China  must  be  evangelized  and  educated;  but  China  will  move 
slowly.  Her  power  is  in  her  conservatism  and  by  this  fact  she  will 
write  her  ponderous,  perhaps  her  preponderating  influence  into  ulti- 
mate history.  Meanwhile  every  potential  Christian  influence  rnust 
be  brought  to  bear  upon  her.  But  the  issue  of  Eastern  conflict  is  on 
now,  and  Japan  must  be  reckoned  with  as  the  dominant  force. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  go  further  and  to  point  out  how  speedily 
the  coming  influence  of  Asia  is  to  be  felt  throughout  the  world;  but 
no  man  can  stand  unconcerned  before  the  evidence  of  Power  in 
Eastern  Asia.  When  the  tides  shall  go  out  in  China  and  all  the  East, 
not  so  many  years  hence,  on  what  shores  shall  these  far-flooding 
waves  be  cast?  To  all  this  future  the  influence  of  Japan  is  of  the 
most  immediate  importance.  In  that  nation  Christianity  has  its 
opportunity  of  swiftest  impact  in  the  East  and  time  is  the  essence  of 
our  strategy. 

If  then  with  high  determination  we  are  to  set  ourselves  to  the  full 
measure  of  our  obligation  and  opportunity  the  foregoing  pages  have 
laid  open  the  conditions  amidst  which  we  are  to  set  forward. 
The  spiritual  lands  have  been  surveyed  by  our  missionary  forces. 


The  Call  of  Japan 


73 


The  news  of  a Christian  faith  that  has  laid  profound  hold  on  the 
world’s  strong  nations  everywhere  has  been  dimly  appreciated.  The 
alert  mind  of  the  Japanese  is  eager  for  the  facts.  The  old  social 
order,  the  modem  system  of  commercial  selfishness  and  the  aspira- 
tion for  a better  order  which  has  been  faintly  conceived  are  every- 
where in  conflict.  Eager  men  and  women  in  Japan  wait  expectantly 
for  authentic  tidings  of  a better  civilization.  The  Christian  church 
of  Japan,  insufficient  for  the  opportunity,  asks  earnestly  for  our  en- 
larged co-operation.  But  no  such  fellowship  of  service  to  Japan  in 
such  an  hour  can  be  sufficient  if  it  is  a policy  of  merely  sparse  and 
scattered  seed-sowing.  Our  aim  must  contemplate  the  achievement 
of  nothing  less  than  a Christian  Japan,  redeemed  individuals,  a new 
social  order,  and  enlisted  nation.  With  the  project  of  this  larger 
missionary  program  we  are  thus  inevitably  challenged.  What  shall 
our  answer  be? 

Your  Deputation  believes  that  there  can  be  but  one  answer. 
It  has  been  the  blessing  of  these  dark  days  that  America  has  been 
taught  to  think  in  terms  of  larger  programs  and  greater  sacrifice. 
She  has  undertaken  to  lay  herself  in  a mighty  range  of  influence  and 
ministry  on  other  continents.  She  has  learned  that  in  her  national 
destiny  she  must  include  world  offices  of  idealism,  social  and  spir- 
itual. To  this  very  attitude  the  Christian  Church  has  been  sounding 
its  call  since  the  founding  of  the  modern  missionary  movement. 
We  believe  therefore  that  nothing  is  more  germane  to  the  higher 
consciousness  of  the  hour  than  the  raising  of  the  flags  for  campaigns 
of  brotherliness  such  as  have  heretofore  been  esteemed  to  be  beyond 
the  practical  limits  of  our  human  altruism.  The  danger  is  that  our 
projects  shall  be  too  small  rather  than  too  large.  The  Church  of 
Jesus  Christ  must  have  plans  of  usefulness  which  shall  satisfy  an 
age  which  in  its  abandon  has  poured  forth  millions  of  men,  forsaking 
all,  for  a new  crusade  across  the  seas  — or  it  will  go  under.  What 
has  it  to  offer  that  is  more  direct,  more  expansive,  and  more  satisfy- 
ing than  a campaign  of  investment  by  which  an  influence  in  some 
measure  equivalent  to  a Christian  America  or  a Christian  England 
shall  be  established  in  Asia? 

Moreover,  your  Deputation  believes  that  there  are  other  re- 
sources, far  beyond  our  guess,  for  such  a program  of  service.  We 
believe  that  there  are  agencies  and  potencies,  as  yet  never  consciously 
linked  in  missionary  co-operation,  which  by  the  spiritual  movements 
of  our  day  are  made  aware  of  a real  relation  to  all  endeavors  for  a 


74 


Deputation  to  Japan 


higher  life  and  a better  world.  There  is  also  a lofty  Christian  states- 
manship securing  a new  and  inclusive  alignment  of  all  those  forces 
of  service  which  the  sorrows  and  strivings  of  a world  in  spiritual 
travail  are  bringing  to  birth.  It  will  be  strange  and  sad  indeed  if  out 
of  the  lifting  of  our  whole  national  life  to  levels  of  sacrifice  in  battle- 
service  there  shall  not  come  a tidal  wave  of  re-enforcement  for  the 
world-wide  projects  of  the  Kingdom  of  God.  We  have  seen  what 
at  the  heart  America  is;  what  it  is  now  it  should  consciously  and 
permanently  be.  Not  a little  does  it  lie  with  us  to  determine 
whether  what  can  be  shall  be. 

In  somewhat  the  same  sense,  missionary  work  in  Japan,  as  else- 
where, cannot  longer  be  conceived  of  as  merely  the  projection  of  a 
few  missionaries  into  a distant  venture.  Somehow  the  power  of  all  that 
the  Christian  world  is  to-day  in  all  its  manifold  manifestations  must  be 
organized  in  such  form  as  to  bring  its  influence  to  bear  on  lands  that 
are  yet  in  need.  The  call  will  not  be  less  for  men  and  women  who 
establish  themselves  as  centers  of  light  and  leading  within  the  actual 
boundaries  of  un-Christian  lands;  they  will  serve  primary  and  in- 
dispensable ministry;  but  in  Japan  we  are  not  going  to  an  isolated 
land  but  to  one  intimately  knit  up  into  association  with  other  peoples 
through  all  the  channels  of  civilization  and  it  is  our  obligation  stu- 
diously to  set  our  influence  along  all  these  lines  of  approach.  Paths 
of  international  travel  of  all  sorts  and  all  the  relations  of  diplomatic, 
social  and  intellectual  contact  must  be  appropriated  to  be  the  high- 
ways of  the  march  of  the  Spirit  of  Christ  into  authority.  To  elab- 
orate on  this  opportunity  would  be  to  catalog  all  the  points  of  vital 
contact  which  exist  between  Japan  and  America  or  that  can  be 
called  into  existence  by  Christianity.  To  such  a missionary  states- 
manship Christian  America  must  arise. 

Japan  should  not  by  any  means  absorb  all  the  missionary  endeavor. 
Indeed  it  is  not  likely  to  do  so.  Here  at  our  door  are  the  needs  of 
Mexico.  Yonder  is  the  immeasurable  mass  of  China;  India,  that 
destined  pearl  of  Christ’s  Kingdom ; Turkey  on  the  high  road  to  all  the 
East;  Africa  over  which  dawn  is  breaking;  but  Japan  — who  can 
look  over  the  world  and  not  find  here  a determinant  race  of  the  world  ? 
Who  can  doubt  that  here  for  the  next  half  century  there  is  a field  of 
unsurpassed  investment  of  life’s  most  precious  capacities?  Who 
will  go?  To  many  missionary  recruits  the  typical  missionary  work 
in  pagan  lands  will  make  a greater  appeal  than  does  the  call  of 
Japan.  They  will  rejoice  to  lay  their  work  on  no  other  man’s 


The  Call  of  Japan 


75 


foundations.  Their  ecstasy  will  be  in  Christian  pioneering.  They 
will  love  the  adventures  on  the  picket  line  and  the  marches  before 
the  dawn.  At  their  post  of  outlying  service  such  men  and  women 
will  serve  their  indispensable  and  heroic  part,  as  such  spirits  always 
have  in  the  ever-onward  movement  of  the  Faith.  But  many,  too, 
there  will  be  who  will  find  their  deepest  satisfaction  in  serving  the 
statesmanship  of  a more  advanced  nation  like  Japan.  Here  the 
fundamental  work  has  been  done.  Here  the  rudimentary  forces 
are  already  awaiting  to  be  appropriated  by  the  skillful  master. 
All  Christian  men  and  women,  missionaries  and  Japanese,  are  ready 
to  give  their  •companionship.  It  is  a problem  not  so  much  of  ex- 
pansion as  of  constructiveness;  a native  mind  must  be  befriended; 
the  Christian  forces  must  be  given  form  and  efficiency  for  permanent 
power;  a Christian  social  order  with  all  its  various  phases  must  be 
developed  constructively  out  of  the  old  feudalism.  Philanthropy, 
education,  individuality,  — applied  Christliness  in  all  its  multipli- 
city of  blessings — must  be  part  of  that  undertaking,  the  end  of 
which  shall  be  a Christian  Japan  at  the  helm  of  the  East.  Who  can 
doubt  that  there  are  men  and  women  in  our  colleges  and  in  war 
service  who  shall  see  a high  calling  in  such  an  opportunity? 


V.  Appendices 


APPENDIX  A. 

Suggestions  Made  to  the  Japan  Mission  by  the  Deputation, 
at  Arima. 

The  Deputation  desires  to  put  on  record  the  substance  of  its  recom- 
mendations made  to  the  Japan  Mission  at  the  annu/il  meeting  at 
Arima,  May,  1918,  together  with  a brief  statement  of  the  reasons 
for  such  counsel.  It  should  be  said,  however,  that  the  Deputation 
looked  upon  this  occasion  not  so  much  as  an  opportunity  for  making 
suggestions  as  for  receiving  them  and  thus  clarifying  its  own  mind 
by  the  advice  of  those  who  have  so  long  shown  themselves  to  be  ex- 
perts in  missionary  work.  Moreover,  the  Deputation  was  thor- 
oughly conscious  that  such  suggestions  could  not  have  the  value  of 
long  experience  on  the  field  such  as  was  the  larger  privilege  of  mis- 
sionaries who  shared  in  the  meeting.  Such  worth  as  attached  to 
the  recommendations  rather  grew  out  of  the  experience  which  your 
Deputation  has  been  privileged  to  have  in  Christian  organization 
and  work  as  it  has  grown  effective  in  America  together  with  the 
peculiar  and  very  real  value  which  undoubtedly  comes  from  a fresh 
and  unprejudiced  view  of  any  situation.  The  Mission  listened  to 
your  Deputation  with  most  gracious  respect  and  was  pleased  to  give 
the  report  long  and  painstaking  consideration. 

More  Centralization  Needed. 

The  Deputation  felt  that  the  form  of  organization  of  the 
Mission  which  has  grown  up  through  the  last  half  century,  somewhat 
independent  of  the  general  movement  of  Christian  organization 
throughout  the  world,  now  operates  in  considerable  measure  to  de- 
prive the  Mission  of  centralized  and  effective  leadership  and  re- 
sponsibility. We  are  conscious  of  the  advantages  which  come  out 
of  an  absolute  democracy  and  we  highly  value  the  sense  of  fraternity 
and  family  life  which  is  thus  secured;  but  we  feel  that  such  a democ- 
racy, to  be  effective,  must  be  organized  through  the  fraternal  ap- 
pointment and  recognition  of  certain  persons  as  having  a distinct 
measure  of  oversight  which  while  responsible  must  be  inclusive,  as- 


Appendices 


77 


sured,  and  in  some  considerable  measure  continuous.  We  felt  that 
the  work  of  the  Mission,  in  its  diffusion  of  responsibility,  lacked  this 
capacity  of  united  and  alert  initiative  and  therefore  urged  upon  the 
Mission  the  wisdom  of  some  such  development  of  its  life  as  has  taken 
place  in  Congregationalism  in  this  country  in  the  last  few  years. 
We  cannot  say,  however,  that  this  need  has  yet  been  generally 
recognized  by  the  Mission.  Other  important  needs  seemed  to  us 
also  to  call  for  this  action.  The  reduction  of  missionary  forces  in 
Japan  and  absences  on  furlough  operate  to  leave  stations  vacant 
for  a longer  or  shorter  period  with  comparatively  little  oversight. 
In  one  or  two  cases  stations  have  been  abandoned  altogether  and 
long  investment  and  work  has  lost  in  consequence. 

Field  Secretary. 

Your  Deputation  felt  that  this  situation  also  called  for  an  in- 
creasingly centralized  and  responsible  oversight,  through  the  appoint- 
ment of  a Field  Secretary  who  should  be  the  continuous  representa- 
tive of  the  Mission  and  who  should  have  concern  particularly  for 
the  fields  thus  left  without  proper  care.  The  importance  of  such  ac- 
tion seemed  to  us  to  be  farther  increased  by  the  fact  that  such  a re- 
sponsible appointee  might  reasonably  be  expected  also  to  become  a 
helpful  point  of  contact  between  the  Kumiai  church  and  the  Mission, 
which  are  at  present  distinct  and  separate  organizations. 

If  our  Mission  is  under-centralized,  it  is  equally  true  that  the 
Japanese  church  is  over  centralized.  There  is  evident  reason  for 
this  in  that  all  the  native  tendencies  in  Japanese  social  life  and 
government  operate  to  the  establishment  of  authority  in  the  hands 
of  a few  governing  officials.  This  is  the  historic  form  of  government 
in  Japan  and  to  this  fact  we  must  adjust  our  organized  co-operation. 
The  Japanese  church  has  therefore  its  authorized  officials  around 
whom  gathers  the  executive  efficiency,  whereas,  on  the  other  hand, 
the  Mission  has  nowhere  localized  any  authority  or  leadership  in 
such  way  as  to  offer  organized  community  of  counsel.  It  was 
represented  to  us  that  the  Japanese  often  desires  advice  as  to  the 
views  and  purposes  of  the  Mission  and  that  such  advice  would  be  of 
large  importance  to  the  mutual  efficiency  of  the  two  bodies,  but 
that  in  the  organization  of  our  Mission  there  seemed  to  be  no  such 
authorities  with  whom  conference  was  possible.  Your  Deputation 
felt  therefore  that  the  appointment  of  such  a Field  Secretary, 


78 


Deputation  to  Japan 


definitely  authorized  to  act  as  a medium  between  the  two  bodies, 
would  greatly  facilitate  their  common  interests  and  that  this  fellow- 
ship would  materially  strengthen  the  sense  of  resource  in  each  body. 

Your  Deputation  was  gratified  that  after  long  and  deliberate 
discussion  the  Mission  was  pleased  to  approve  this  recommendation 
and  Dr.  Hilton  Pedley,  of  Maebashi,  was  appointed  to  this  newly 
created  office  of  Field  Secretary.  He  has  already  undertaken  this 
work  and  will  probably  move  from  his  present  station  to  the  neigh- 
borhood of  the  central  offices  of  the  Kumiai  church.  Perhaps  it 
should  be  said  that  the  Deputation  felt  that  it  would  be  wise  also  to 
combine  the  office  of  Field  Secretary  and  Mission  Secretary.  The 
Mission,  however,  did  not  approve  this  suggestion  for  the  present, 
fearing  an  over-centralization  of  authority,  a danger  which  we  do 
not  apprehend.  Indeed  it  seemed  to  us  that  certain  friction  would 
be  probable  unless  these  offices  were  united.  Experience  will  how- 
ever be  a wise  guide. 

Korea. 

Your  Deputation  reported  to  the  Mission  its  conclusion 
that  the  American  Board  should  in  due  time  appoint  a missionary  to 
Korea  but  that  the  depletion  of  the  missionary  forces  of  Japan, 
from  whose  body  such  a missionary  should  be  drawn,  seemed  to 
them  to  make  the  step  impracticable  at  this  time.  It  was  advised 
that  the  joint  oversight  of  the  interests  of  our  communion  so  far  as 
missionary  co-operation  is  concerned  should  be  under  the  charge  of 
the  new  Field  Secretary  with  the  expectation  that  he  should  make 
trips  from  time  to  time  to  the  Korean  field.  This  suggestion  ap- 
proved itself  to  the  Mission  and  this  duty  was  assigned  to  Dr.  Pedley. 

Relation  of  Mission  to  Church. 

As  indicated  elsewhere  no  conclusion  was  more  definitely 
reached  by  your  Deputation  than  the  unanimous  opinion  that  the 
interests  of  our  communion  must  be  increasingly  entrusted  to  the 
responsibility  and  leadership  of  the  Japanese.  No  difficulties,  how- 
ever important,  can  blur  the  fact  that  in  a country  so  far  advanced 
as  is  Japan  the  native  Christians  must  be  the  sponsors  of  their 
national  religious  life.  Your  Deputation  recognizes  to  the  full  the 
difficulties  of  missionary  co-operation  under  such  conditions. 
Nevertheless,  we  cannot  doubt  that  any  true  and  continuous  success 


Appendices 


79 


of  our  missionary  work  is  involved  in  a clear  emphasis  upon  the  view 
that  with  the  Japanese  must  be  lodged  more  and  more  the  primary 
responsibilities  of  the  administration  and  development  of  Christian 
effort  in  that  land.  In  this  process  perplexities  will  arise.  There 
is  no  small  difference  in  temper  and  method  between  the  two  races. 
One  springs  out  of  the  practical  attitudes  of  the  West;  the  other  had 
its  origin  in  the  spirit  of  the  East  and  as  yet  has  only  been  measurably 
modified.  One  is  doing  its  work  out  of  long  years  of  experience  in  a 
democratic  pi'ocedure  in  which  brothers  make  and  then  obey  their 
own  leader ; the  other  takes  its  rise  from  an  ancient  feudalism  which 
is  foreign  to  the  art  of  democratic  leadership.  Obviously,  therefore, 
there  are  large  and  difficult  problems  in  the  adjustment  of  the  Mis- 
sion to  the  J apanese  church  while  at  the  same  time  preserving  to  the 
missionary  that  measure  of  initiative  without  which  strongmen  and 
women  cannot  be  attracted  to  the  service. 

Nevertheless,  your  Deputation  cannot  doubt  that  this  recogni- 
tion of  native  authority  in  religious  work  is  fundamental  to  any  real 
establishment  of  the  full  power  and  worth  of  Japanese  Christian 
character  together  with  the  development  of  the  Japanese  church  of 
our  ideals.  While  recognizing  the  consecrated  intent  of  the  Mission 
and  realizing  the  situation  out  of  which  the  present  relations  to  the 
Kumiai  Church  have  developed  and  believing,  as  well,  that  these 
adjustments  have  been  wise  and  effective  in  the  past  we  could  not 
think  them  organically  ideal  for  the  future.  The  two  bodies  are 
organized  separately,  the  annual  meetings  being  held  at  different 
seasons  of  the  year,  nor  is  there  any  form  of  official  connection  be- 
tween the  two  by  which  they  plan  or  work  together.  The  Mission 
was  held  to  be  “co-operating”  in  that  whenever  a church  was  or- 
ganized it  was  immediately  turned  to  the  fellowship  and  care  of  the 
Kumiai  body.  It  seemed  to  us  as  we  were  brought  into  inspiring 
contact  with  both  Mission  and  native  bodies  that  a more  intimate  or- 
ganic relation  was  desirable  and  would  better  represent  the  fraternity 
of  Christian  brethren  laboring  in  a common  task. 

Ultimate  Integration. 

To  this  end  your  Deputation  advised  that  the  Mission  make  it 
clear  that  it  was  a body  working  within  the  Japanese  church.  While 
maintaining  its  own  integrity  and  unity,  it  seemed  to  your  Deputa- 
tion that  it  should  take  the  form  of  a mission  band  in  some  wise  way 


80 


Deputation  to  Japan 


integrated  into  the  Kumiai  church.  Furthermore,  your  Deputa- 
tion believes  that  it  is  practicable  so  to  accomplish  this  as  to  pre- 
serve the  initiative  of  the  missionary  and  at  the  same  time  to  de- 
velop the  sense  of  responsibility  in  the  Japanese  church. 

To  that  end  we  recommended  (1)  That  the  missionaries  so  es- 
tablish their  personal  church  relations  as  to  open  the  way  for  mem- 
bership in  the  ecclesiastical  organizations  of  the  Kumiai  church. 
In  a very  considerable  portion  of  cases  this  is  now  done.  Your  Dep- 
putation  would  make  it  the  common  procedure  and  is  assured,  on 
the  other  hand,  that  participation  in  the  regular  councils  of  the 
Kumiai  church  will  not  only  be  welcomed  but  will  also  be  facili- 
tated by  the  new  constitution  of  the  church  soon  to  be  adopted. 

(2)  That  the  Mission  work  be  so  geared  into  the  Japanese  work 
that  the  differentiation  between  the  two  should  be  minimized  so  far 
as  possible  and  the  sense  of  “mine”  and  “yours”  disappear.  In 
the  mind  of  the  Deputation  it  was  felt  that  this  community  of  in- 
terests might  be  increased  if  certain  missionaries  of  the  Board  now 
covering  considerable  territory  should  be  recognized  also  as  hon- 
orary representatives  of  the  Kumiai  church,  their  work  becoming 
thus,  to  that  measure,  a part  of  the  native  Japanese  w6rk. 

(3)  The  Deputation  further  advised  the  formulation  of  the 
missionary  organization  and  personnel  so  as  to  correlate  its  workers 
with  the  corresponding  officials  of  the  various  department  in  the 
Kumiai  church,  such  missionaries  to  be  honorary  associates  and  co- 
laborers with  the  Japanese  workers.  It  is  believed  that  in  our  own 
missionary  work  this  method  would  unify  the  interests,  foreign  and 
native,  and  would  forward  the  important  ends  described.  Such  ap- 
pointments should  have  some  form  of  approval  from  the  Kumiai 
church.  It  may  be  said,  however,  that  the  general  plan  would  be 
most  welcome  to  that  body.  It  has  general  illustration  in  the  ac- 
tion of  the  Mission  already  described  by  which  the  Field  Secretary 
of  the  Mission  is  correlated  with  the  secretary  af  the  Kumiai  body. 

Committee  of  Six. 

It  was  the  pleasure  of  the  Mission  to  appoint  a committee  of 
six  to  give  consideration  to  this  matter  and  to  other  suggestions 
made  by  your  Deputation.  The  details  of  the  development  of  such 
a policy  can  only  be  slowly  worked  out  but  we  hope  that  such  in- 
tegration will  in  due  time  be  accomplished. 


Appendices 


81 


Intricate  Comity  Problem. 

. The  matter  of  comity  has  been  a most  involved  and  intri- 
cate problem  in  the  Mission  field.  It  has  been  felt  by  the  home 
churches  that  missionary  work  should  not  overlap  and  that  differ- 
ences of  denomination  should  disappear  on  the  foreign  field.  To 
this  end  there  has  been  a measurably  recognized  division  of  Japan 
among  the  various  missionary  boards  working  there.  Gradually, 
however,  a feeling  has  developed  among  the  Japanese  that  they  had 
themselves  prior  rights  in  the  determination  of  this  matter.  Your 
Deputation  felt  bound  to  admit  that  such  was  the  case  and  that 
inevitably  foreign  interdenominational  compacts  must  wait  on 
the  conclusions  reached  between  the  Japanese  denominations  in  the 
development  of  their  own  work.  Contrary  to  general  hopes,  the  feel- 
ing of  denominationalism  is  rather  accentuated  in  Japan  than 
otherwise  though  this  attitude  is  not  altogether  without  reason. 
Among  our  Kumiai  Christians,  for  instance,  there  is  a feeling  that 
Congregationalism,  representing  as  it  does  the  rights  and  worth  of 
the  individual,  offers  almost  a holy  cause  in  a land  which  has  been 
from  time  immemorial  under  feudal  bondage.  As  Japanese  Con- 
gregationalists  scatter  over  the  empire,  therefore,  they  feel  the  ur- 
gency of  developing  the  Congregational  attitude  and  practice. 
The  lodgment  of  final  authority  in  the  people  seems  to  them  an  es- 
sential part  of  their  religion  and  naturally  this  knows  no  limitation 
of  district  or  region.  And  though  there  is  a growing  attitude  of 
comradeship  in  the  work  of  the  various  communions,  and  though 
ideals  of  comity  are  gradually  taking  form,  nevertheless  in  propor- 
tion as  we  are  associated  intimately  with  the  Japanese  churches  it 
will  be  necessary  for  us  to  follow  along  their  lines  of  development  or 
else  fail  to  be  of  help  where  most  needed. 

Native  Comity  Will  Supersede  Mission  Comity. 

Accordingly,  we  advised  the  Mission  to  accept  the  difficulties 
involved  in  such  co-operation  with  the  native  church.  We  believe 
that  the  Kumiai  body  is  not  likely  to  go  into  the  regions  where  there 
is  not  as  yet  large  room  for  it,  and  moreover,  that  the  impulses  of 
comity  will  continue  to  grow.  We  believe  that  the  Mission  should 
honor  comity  arrangements  of  the  missionary  boards  to  every  prac- 
ticable degree.  Nevertheless,  in  our  conferences  with  missionaries 
of  other  denominations,  we  were  led  to  believe  that  they  were  feel- 


82 


Deputation  to  Japan 


ing  practically  the  same  difhculties  and  were  seeking  to  adjust  the 
problems  in  practically  the  same  forms  as  those  herewith  suggested 
by  your  Deputation. 

Numerous  other  matters,  discussed  in  the  Mission  meeting,  are 
treated  in  other  portions  of  this  report.  To  all  these  suggestions 
patient  and  prolonged  attention  was  given  by  the  Mission.  We 
have  ventured  frankly  to  state  our  views  above  not  as  being  by  any 
possibility  infallible  but  as  bearing  upon  principles  of  missionary 
work  of  so  great  importance  as  to  warrant  thorough  consideration. 


APPENDIX  B. 

THE  VISIT  TO  KOREA 

It  early  became  clear  that  the  Deputation  must  visit  Korea. 
This  was  not  to  study  Korea  and  the  Koreans.  It  was  not  primarily 
to  look  over  the  growing  Japanese  colonies  said  to  be  offering  unique 
opportunity  for  the  gospel.  It  was  above  all  to  study  first  hand  the 
reasons  why  the  Kumiai  leaders  supported  by  leading  officials  were 
so  desirous  of  having  an  American  Board  missionary  located  at 
Seoul ; why  there  seemed  to  be  some  opposition  to  this  on  the  part  of 
American  missionaries  of  other  communions  at  work  for  Koreans; 
and  to  do  what  we  could  to  remove  misunderstandings  and  help 
bring  missionaries  and  Japanese  closer  together.  Dr.  Berry  and  Mr. 
Bell  were  set  aside  for  the  task,  though  Dr.  Blaisdell  was  to  gather 
what  data  he  could  en  route  through  Korea  to  China  on  a special 
mission.  Dr.  Pedley  of  the  Japan  Mission  accompanied  the  party. 
Only  two  centers  needed  to  be  visited:  Seoul  the  capitol,  and  Ping 
Yang,  the  great  mission  center  near  the  Chinese  border.  The  dates 
of  the  visit  were  April  5 to  1 1 inclusive. 

The  Deputation  was  given  an  unexpectedly  warm  welcome. 
Governor  General  Hasegawa  and  his  official  family  were  graciously 
hospitable.  Our  Japanese  Christian  brethren  were  characteris- 
tically cordial.  The  missionaries  could  not  have  done  more  to  prove 
their  welcome.  On  eveiy  hand  frankness  was  shown,  along  with 
an  earnest  desire  to  get  at  the  true  facts  and  to  come  out  upon  a 
common  basis  of  sound  co-operation. 

There  was  no  question  among  missionaries  and  Japanese  Chris- 
tians as  to  the  advisability  of  strengthening  the  missionary  forces  in 
Korea  for  work  among  the  Japanese.  Numbering  300,000  at  least, 


Appendices 


83 


these  Japanese  were  offering  the  openness  of  mind  characteristic  of 
the  pioneer.  They  had  left  behind  them  much  of  the  conservatism 
of  ancient  tradition,  and  were  freer  to  receive  new  truth  than  were 
their  families  at  home.  Many  of  them  were  of  the  highly  educated 
classes.  All  were  in  need  of  a religion  capable  of  giving  them  moral 
invigoration  for  the  special  temptations  of  a dominant  race  in  a com- 
munity of  subjects.  Without  question  and  with  common  consent 
the  need  and  opportunity  among  the  Japanese  of  Korea  constituted 
a call  for  the  American  Board. 

The  real  question  however  had  to  do  with  work  for  the  Koreans 
and  this  in  turn  hung  upon  the  Board’s  relation  to  a movement  re- 
cently inaugurated  by  Kumiai  leaders'(with  the  alleged  support  of 
the  government)  whereby  Korean  Christians  were  encouraged  to 
leave  the  old  communions  controlled  by  the  American  missionary 
and  to  join  the  Kumiai  Korean  church  dominated  by  Japanese. 

We  need  not  go  into  details  in  reporting  our  conferences  with 
the  Kumiai  Christians  and  the  Presbyterian  and  Methodist  mis- 
sionaries. Nor  need  we  report  our  conversations  with  the  officials 
who  seemed  as  eager  as  the  others  to  have  all  misunderstandings 
cleared  away  in  the  interests  of  co-operation.  We  believe  we 
made  it  clear  to  our  missionary  brethren  that  the  Kumiai  Church 
in  Japan  was  worthy  of  their  confidence  and  fellowship,- and  that 
it  could  be  trusted  to  aid  in  removing  the  objectionable  features 
of  the  present  Kumiai  Korean  movement  and  that  if  the  American 
Board  mission  in  Japan  placed  a missionary  at  Seoul  he  would  do  all 
that  lay  in  his  power  to  assist  the  Kumiai  leaders  in  their  effort  to 
direct  the  movement  along  sound  evangelical  lines.  If  we  properly 
gauged  the  missionary  mind  it  was  generally  agreed  that  the  Korean 
Christians  would  join  this  Kumiai  church  in  increasing  numbers, 
and  that  this  constituted  a weighty  reason  why  a member  of  our 
Japan  mission,  in  good  standing  with  the  Kumiai  leaders,  should  be 
on  hand  to  lend  a helping  hand. 

In  order  however  that  there  be  no  complications  due  to  our 
representation  upon  the  governing  council  of  missions  at  work  for 
Koreans,  it  was  clear  that  the  American  Board’s  missionary  official 
connections  should  remain  with  the  mission  body  in  Japan.  In- 
deed it  was  evident  that  while  the  missionaries  in  Korea  would  wel- 
come our  assistance  in  matters  pertaining  to  the  Korean  Kumiai 
Church  it  would  be  better  if  the  American  Board  missionary 
made  it  his  prime  business  to  evangelize  the  Japanese. 


84 


Deputation  to  Japan 


Our  conferences  and  private  conversations  showed  the  desire 
of  all  parties  concerned  for  the  permanent  presence  of  an  American 
Board  missionary  from  Japan,  and  we  accordingly  broke  away  from 
that  fine  fellowship  with  the  conviction  that  a service  varied  and 
telling  could  be  performed  by  the  right  kind  of  man. 

At  present  the  Japan  Mission  can  not  spare  such  a man. 
This  important  post  however  should  be  early  and  permanently 
filled.  Meanwhile  the  Mission’s  new  Field  Secretary  should  visit 
as  often  as  time  and  funds  permit. 

We  therefore  recommend  the  following:  (1)  That  as  soon  as 
practicable  a missionary  be  placed  at  Seoul,  primarily  for  work 
among  Japanese,  but  unofficially  to  help,  in  every  proper  way,  guide 
the  Korean  Kumiai  Church  along  right  channels  in  fullest  co-operation 
with  American  missionaries  of  other  communions  and  with 
Japanese  Christians;  (2)  That  until  such  a man  can  be  placed  at 
Seoul  the  field  and  work  be  under  the  special  care  of  the  Field  Secre- 
tary of  the  Japan  Mission. 


APPENDIX  C. 

THE  OPPORTUNITY  FOR  MISSIONARY  WORK  IN  THE 

HOKKAIDO 

The  Deputation  was  greatly  impressed  with  opportunities  for 
missionary  work  which  seemed  to  them  peculiarly  favorable  in  the 
northern  island  of  Japan  known  as  the  Hokkaido.  Full  account  has 
been  given  in  the  body  of  this  report  of  the  immigration  conditions 
on  this  island  which  make  the  population  particularly  open  to  mis- 
sionary influence.  Your  Deputation  was  also  impressed  with  the 
wisdom  and  comprehensiveness  of  the  plans  for  work  which  have 
been  formulated  by  the  missionary  and  Japanese  forces  co-operating 
in  this  region.  To  a peculiar  degree  a statesmanlike  outlook  upon  the 
whole  problem  has  been  developed. 

It  may  be  added  that  the  Hokkaido  is  a section  of  the  Empire 
apart  by  itself.  Lying  in  the  north  temperate  zone  with  the  climate 
essentially  of  New  England  it  is  well  fitted  for  the  development  of 
strong  character.  It  is  an  immigrant  population  with  all  the  ag- 
gressiveness and  broad  outlook  of  the  thrifty  pioneer.  The  distance 
from  the  educational  centers  of  Japan  proper  may  make  it  necessary 
for  this  region  to  train  its  own  Christian  workers,  at  least  in  part. 


Appendices 


85 


Forty  years  ago  the  Colonization  Government  in  the  island  felt  the 
need  of  training  on  the  ground  the  men  to  develop  its  material  re- 
sources. A college  then  founded  has  already  trained  with  eminent 
success  a large  group  of  men,  and  it  has  now  become  the  independent 
Hokkaido  Imperial  University. 

While  the  opportunity  in  the  Hokkaido  is  one  of  the  most  at- 
tractive in  all  Japan,  it  is  nevertheless  of  a size  which  would  perhaps 
allow  it  to  be  undertaken  by  a single  individual  or  by  a group  of 
individuals.  Such  would  rejoice  in  financing  a project  the  growth 
and  effectiveness  of  which  would  be  evident  within  a few  years. 
The  results  would  unquestionably  be  both  national  and  interna- 
tional in  their  scope.  As  has  been  pointed  out  there  is  peculiar 
reason  to  believe  that  they  would  react  upon  the  whole  life  of  the 
Japanese  people.  For,  through  the  sturdiness  of  the  strong  immi- 
grant population,  most  significant  influences  for  Japanese  leadership 
would  be  created.  Such  a parish  would  be  a most  inspiring  field  for 
investment.  The  full  consequences  can  only  be  appreciated  by  a 
visit  to  Sapporo,  the  capital  of  the  island. 

The  project  in  its  full  form  should  include  the  following  program 
though  any  one  of  the  four  items  singly  would  be  of  inestimable, 
con  seq  uenc  e : — 

I.  A Bible  School  for  the  training  of  Sunday  School  and  other 
lay  workers.  It  is  believed  that  for  the  present  such  a school  could 
be  conducted  in  rented  buildings  at  an  annual  expenditure  of,  say, 
$1,500  to  $2,000  U.  S.  Gold.  The  period  of  study  in  residence  each 
year  would  be  short  and  a portion  of  the  students  would  be  employed 
in  direct  evangelistic  work  during  the  rest  of  the  year.  The  above 
estimate  would  cover  the  expenses  of  the  students  while  thus  en- 
gaged in  practical  work.  Such  a school  would  be  of  value  even  if  it 
could  be  continued  only  a few  years:  of  greater  value  if  it  could  be 
made  a permanent  institution. 

II.  A Boys’  School  (Middle  School  grade).  This  school  should 
(1)  demonstrate  the  value  of  a Christian  secondary  education  in  de- 
veloping character.  It  would  (2)  commend  Christianity  to  widely 
scattered  homes  and  neighborhoods  throughout  our  field.  It  should 
(3)  discover  and  turn  toward  the  ministry  a few  promising  young 
men  who  could  have  their  full  theological  training  in  the  Divinity 
School  of  Doshisha.  Candidates  for  the  ministry  are  far  short  of 
the  needs  in  all  Japan.  Moreover  boys  from  un-Christian  homes, 
trained  in  non-Christian  secondary  schools  have  proved  to  be  un- 


86 


Deputation  to  Japan 


satisfactory  candidates  for  the  ministry.  It  should  therefore  (1) 
have  a high  standard  for  admission;  (2)  maintain  a high  grade  of 
scholarship  throughout  its  course  in  all  branches;  (3)  be  superior 
to  government  schools  in  the  English  language  and  in  moral  and  re- 
ligious training;  (4)  its  classes  should  be  kept  small,  say  sixty  to 
eighty,  a maximum  enrollment  of  300  to  400;  and  (5)  its  dormitory 
equipment  should  be  ample  in  order  to  keep  the  students  under 
wholesome  Christian  influence  throughout  their  course.  Such  a 
school  would  require  for  — 

Initial  equipment $75,000  to  $100,000 

Annual  expenses  beyond  income  from  tuitions $2,000 

N.  B.  This  does  not  include  salaries  of  American  teachers, 
though  the  $100,000  does  include  estimate  for  housing  these  teachers. 

III.  Personnel  to  cover  work  In  the  whole  island:  Four  mis- 
sionary families  (two  additional) ; and  three  single  ladies  (two  addi- 
tional). One  family  would  be  engaged  in  the  Bible  School;  two 
families  would  be  engaged  in  the  Middle  School;  one  family  would  be 
engaged  in  evangelistic  work;  one  lady  would  be  engaged  in  Sun- 
day School  and  children’s  work;  and  two  ladies  would  be  engaged 
in  evangelistic  work. 

IV.  Japanese  workers.  With  the  three  above-mentioned  pro- 
vided for,  the  fourth  need,  that  of  Japanese  workers,  would  be  in  the 
way  of  being  supplied.  Sunday  School  and  other  lay  workers  would  be 
trained  on  the  ground;  and  the  Middle  School  might  be  expected  to 
start  young  men  toward  the  ministry  who  would  come  back  to  the 
Hokkaido  after  finishing  their  theological  studies  in  Doshisha  or 
some  other  Divinity  School  in  Japan  proper. 

The  above  program  would  so  nobly  and  inspiringly  meet  the 
opportunity  of  this  wonderful  and  strategic  area  of  Japan  and  would 
be  so  undoubtedly  consequential  in  its  influence  in  the  whole  nation 
that  your  Deputation  would  be  glad  to  speak  any  word  by  which 
the  heart  of  some  great  benefactor  should  be  kindled  to  enter  upon 
this  most  significant  undertaking.  If  undertaken  it  should  be  in 
conjunction  with  efforts  made  by  the  J apanese  themselves.  Nothing 
would  be  done  except  in  closest  co-operation  with  the  Kumiai 
forces  on  the  field. 


J'f 

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